I found a lump in my right breast a few days ago, doctor said it's a plugged milk duct and gave me a script for an anti-b incase in gets infected. We did not discuss how to get rid of the plug though.

Should I nurse more on that side, use hot compress, hot shower etc?

Any suggestions as to how to avoid the infection?

I had this last time, but can't remember if it resolved it's self of if I did something specific.

Thanks!

By Monicamomof3 on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 12:12 pm:

OMG- I'm glad you're asking now before it developes into an infection. I didn't have a breast infection until my 3rd baby and I officially felt sorry for anyone who said that they had one: red streaks, fever, body aches, etc..

I would get aggressive with that now:

~Nurse as much as you can off that side and a little off the other side so that you won't get a clogged duct on the other side.

~massage, massage, and massage some more while:

-in the shower letting water as hot as you can stand it beat down on the sore spot

- nursing - you can also get a very hot rag and put it on the sore spot as you nurse and massage with the hot rag over it.

~start taking lots of VIT C now!

Hope this helps.

I am SSSCCCAAARRREEEDDD of those things. If it does develop into an infection and you don't want to use a prescription while nursing, let me know and I will tell you the way I got rid of all 4 of mine!

By Hlgmom on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 12:20 pm:

Ditto above- heat is key! Hot compresses and hot showers are best! Good luck- if you do these things you should be able to avoid infection!

By My3cuties on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 04:02 pm:

heat, yes! Infections are no good, I had mastitis...ouch take care.

By Kaye on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 04:49 pm:

I heard one of the best things to do is soak it in a hot bath and really really deep massage (like you are popping a zit) and then nurse nurse nurse that side.

By Pamt on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 - 08:50 pm:

Heat, massage, and....

(I know it sounds crazy, but)
Put the baby on his back on the floor. Get on all fours over him and let the affected breast *dangle* (LOL) into his mouth and nurse that way. You will feel like an idiot, your DH will get a good laugh, but the gravity really does help drain the breast well. It is important to really empty the breast to avoid mastitis. I never got mastitis, but had clogged ducts often with my 2nd son and this method, which I read in a LLL book, really did help.

By Missmudd on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 07:26 pm:

All good advice above, I got rid of mine with laying in a very hot bath, wonder that the milk didnt scald, lol. I feel for you, hope you can resolve this soon and feel better.

By Enchens on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 - 11:29 pm:

Pamt, it does sound crazy but you are soooo right. I had to do the same thing with my first when I got a plugged duct. It hurt because I waited so long to find out what was going on.
Heaventree, just remember to make sure you also empty the nonaffected breast so you don't end up with plugged ducts on that side, too.

By Feona on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 06:42 am:

What Pamt said is right. That get the plugged duck free.

By Heaventree on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 06:26 pm:

Thanks Ladies. Pam I just might try your suggestion tonight, that is when everyone else has gone to bed, LOL.

I cannot get this child to stay awake long enough to empty a breast, he's still a sleepy head and I've tried everything, even the cold cloths. Well no infection so far, but I had a huge clog this evening, I had to shower, nurse, pump and use a hot compress, and then finally relief.

What causes these clogs? Anyone know?

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 10:24 pm:

I think not emptying the breast contributes to it! I guess I would be inclined to take him to the doctor to find out why he is so sleepy.

By Pamt on Thursday, September 15, 2005 - 10:49 pm:

They are caused when your breast is not emptied well (of course it can't be completely emptied), so having a sleepy baby can certainly contribute. I saw your other postings on him not nursing very often, but didn't have time to post then. I would encourage nursing at least every 3 hours through the day and every four or so at night. I had sleepy babies too---strip them down to a diaper, use a cool cloth, burp between sides, prop him in your lap and tickly and talk, pat the soles of his feet, pull him off the breast and re-latch, whatever it takes to keep him awake until your breast starts to feel empty. It will help you will clogged milk ducts and it will help him because the hind milk that comes later in the nursing is richer in fat and nutrients, which he needs.

Try NOT to pump if you can help it. Pumping will continue to increase your milk supply and if he is not drinking as much as he should be as it is you will inadvertently create a vicious cycle. Only pump AFTER he's finished nursing if you still feel full...and then only to the point of decreasing the fullness, not trying to fill up a bottle. It may take a few weeks, but the supply and demand issues will even out.