Family Forum / Pregnancy / Breastfeeding / May 2005

Have a breast pump?

Jess

have you tried homeopathic remedies?  i can't remember what treatment i
took, but it helped me with blocked ducts - i also used to have them for 24
hours plus and had to be so diligent about continually expressing,
massaging, using hot pack on the lumpy area of my breast - where the milk
would back up behind the blocked duct - found that the homeopathic remedy
helped to finally clear the duct and prevent and onset of high temperature,
mastitis, need for antibiotics.

i just did a google search for treatments and came up with:

PHYTOLACCA
A post-labour remedy that has a deserved reputation for treating cracked
nipples, blocked milk ducts and mastitis (breast inflammation) which may
occur during breast-feeding. Pains intense; radiate out from around nipple,
sometimes into the shoulder or arm.

sounds familiar to what i used - but best to consultant a professional
homeopath

good luck, Sarah

I draw up a hot bath and get a needle.  I submerge the breast and try to
express the clog.  The thing about submerging the nipple in still water is
that you can see the individual openings and see individual streams, because
the milk doesn't all run together.  You can see distinct streams very easily
underwater.

If I can't get milk coming out of the blockage, I use a needle a few times
to see if that opens it up.  It usually does.  I try to hurt myself a little
but not too badly.  Like getting out a splinter.  This works on the first
try 4/5 times.  I stay in the tub clearing out the clog until it is all
expressed or until I get overheated sitting in the hot water whatever comes
first.  Usually I don't have to repeat this project but sometimes it has
taken 2 baths to handle the problem.

IMO the danger of infection is not high if you are otherwise healthy and in
your own home.  I've not had any breast infections, but I've had a lot of
clogs slash milk blisters!

Dagny

Hi Christine

Have you tried cold cabbage leaves wrapped around the breast?  This should
help alleviate the discomfort you feel with the blocked ducts.  I know that
the cold leaves are a little uncomfortable (cold against warm breast!) but
did help me when I had mastitis a few weeks ago.  I did later take a course
of antibiotics to clear up the mastitis but then little Luke got oral
thrush, which no-one told us that this is caused usually by antibiotics....

Kind regards,

Maria

Have you nursed baby with her chin over the blocked duct? Depending
on where the block is you may have to be on hands and knees above
baby to get a good position. Also when you pump, rotate the phlange,
expecially if you are using an isis with the petal insert.

FWIW, I was never able to clear a duct with the pump, only baby could
do it. Also, warm heat applied before nursing (you can take a disposable
diaper, put a little tap water on it then heat it in the microwave
(maybe 20 seconds?). Apply that to the duct. It stays warm for awhile.
Nurse immediately after applying heat.

Good luck!!

Mary W.

Sounds like you've had it all!  With DD2, whenever I get a plugged duct, I
take 1000mg vit C every hour, and just wait for her to clear it.  I've never
been able to clear it with a pump.  The area I always get a plug in is on
the top of the breast, so for me, lying down to feed is often best, as her
nose points to the sore area.  I've also massaged with Arnica cream - dunno
if it actually helps, but it does seem to reduce the pain from swelling.

Good luck,
Cathy