Management of Clogged/Plugged Ducts

Signs of a plugged duct are:

• Redness
• Tender spot in your breast

There are new recommendations from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Below are ways to care for mastitis and plugged ducts.

• Breastfeed on demand or pump at a frequency that mimics baby feeding.
• Do not pump or stimulate your breast more often.
  • Breastfeed from the opposite breast first to let the affected side heal.
• If your breasts feel full after feeding, you can hand express until you are comfortable.

• Put ice or gel packs on breasts.  Use them for 10 minutes each hour.  This can help lessen inflammation and swelling.
  • Do not put ice directly on your skin.
  • You may have a drop in your milk supply.  This often gets better with time.  You can call a lactation consultant for help.
• Do not do deep massage of your breast.
  • Use gentle, light touch massage.  Start at your nipple and go back toward your body.  This should be like petting a cat.
• Take medications that help reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen.  Follow the directions on the bottle.
• Take sunflower or soy lecithin to help with plugged ducts.  This is an over-the-counter supplement.  Buy it at most drug and grocery stores.
  • Capsules: take 1200 mg 3 or 4 times each day.  Refer to Kellymom.com for further information.
  • If you do not want to take the capsules, take 5-10 grams of powder lecithin.  Use it 1 time each day.  This can be put in a smoothie.