Natural Birth and Baby Care.com

Plugged Ducts in Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has been going well except that last week I got plugged ducts on the left and then 2 days later on the right, worse than the right.

It was mostly cured on the right but then I used the wrap on an outing yesterday and I think the pressure from her arm/head sleeping a little on that side caused it again and it's worse than ever.

Just wondering if you have suggestions on treatment and prevention. I am massaging, using heat and trying to drink and sleep, but anything else? Can this happen from using the wraps/carriers?

Answer:

You're doing the right things with the massage and heat. Drinking plenty and getting rest are also known to help.

I do think that having the pressure of a babe sitting at one place on your breast can cause a plugged duct. I have had several and they tend to happen after my baby has slept on one part of my breast overnight, or if I've slept wrong.

Pressure from a carrier can also cause problems. Wraps generally apply pretty even pressure, but if you're noticing a problem with it you may want to use another carrier for awhile. Slings are good, just be careful of the rings. Or try and position your baby differently in the carrier.

Baby positioning is another thing that can help with plugged ducts. When you position your baby to nurse, try out different holds. If you normally use a cradle hold, use a football hold. Do some nursing lying down. Varying the positions she's nursing in can help her to stimulate different milk ducts around your breast and work to clear plugs.

If you're noticing that she's not completely emptying a breast and you think that may be the problem you can try and pump a little after she finishes. Pumping may also help if she's not effectively emptying the breast with the plugged ducts.

Encourage her to nurse plenty on the side with the plug, and massage the breast as much as you can. It should clear within a day or so. I've noticed soreness may linger for a couple of days, but lots of nursing on the affected side usually works to clear the plug within a day.