http://www.babystuff4u.info - Learn methods to quickly cure a clogged milk duct.

2. Why Didn't They Tell Me?!
A clogged milk duct is just one of the
many unmentioned experiences that
occur when you have a baby.
New nursing moms have it tough. As
if having a baby wasn't overwhelming
enough, you now have to deal with the
discomfort of a plugged milk duct.

3. Of course, the benefits of breastfeeding significantly
outweigh the downsides. For babies, a decreased risk of
developing diabetes, obesity, allergies, and improved
immunity.
For moms, breastfeeding speeds up post delivery
recovery and lowers the chance of getting certain
hormone related cancers. Even better...breastfeeding is
free! Overall, it's a win-win situation for both mom and
baby.

4. Well, sometimes things are not so
easy. Sharp pains, tenderness,
lumps, and hard spots can develop
where obstruction occurs within
the milk duct. White spots on the
nipple may also appear as milk
gets trapped skin growing skin
over a milk duct causing a milk blister.

5. Milk ducts also called lactiferous ducts carry milk from
the lobes/lobules in the breast to the nipple where milk
is released. Milk is made in the lobules, which are milk
producing glands. For most women, a clogged milk duct
occurs only a hand full of times while nursing.
For unfortunate nursing moms, plugged ducts become a
chronic problem during breastfeeding.
Blocked lactiferous ducts can
happen anytime while nursing.
But, occur most often in first
few weeks of the nursing experience.

6. Prolonged untreated duct plugs
may lead to mastitis. Mastitis
is an inflammation of breast
tissue. Red, tender breast
tissue as well as fevers and
flu-like symptoms can accompany mastitis.

7. Check Your Baby...
Changes in your baby's sleeping patterns,
recent illnesses, or added environmental
stressors can cause your baby to not
suckle properly, which leads to blockages.
Missed feedings can also throw a wrench
in proper nutrition.

8. Assess Yourself...
No doubt about it. Moms are busy.
But, a rushed feeding can lead to improper
nursing technique and latching. I know it's tough.
Yet, getting extra rest encourages good
bonding with your baby. Cuddling also
produces hormones in moms that
encourages milk letting. So, sleep
soundly and remember to take care
of yourself.

9. Heat Helps...
A warm compress can be your best friend
when it comes to soothing sore, tender breasts.
Use a moistened wash cloth or a hot water
bottle to ease pain. Massaging the area of
blockage along with applying heat goes a long
way in dislodging painful plugs.

10. Try Herbal Remedies...
Mild calming herbs like fenugreek
boost milk production and keep clogging
at bay. Increasing your water and
protein intake also helps to reduce duct
plugging. How about using potato? No, don't eat it.
Apply a potato poultice to sore breasts. Just grate
raw potato and put it on the affected area.

11. Body Positioning 101...
Improper body positioning during breastfeeding
can cause clogged milk duct problems.
When nursing change to a different position
if feels more comfortable and gives
better milk flow. Gravity and your
baby's suckling action can help to
unblock plugged milk ducts.

12. Use Supplements...
One the best supplements for a clogged milk
duct is lecithin. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier
in the body. It helps thin out breast milk while
still in the body. Lecithin can be found at any
health food store. But, be sure to discuss with
your doctor prior to using any supplements.

13. Express, Express, Express...
It's best to let your milk flow every few hours.
Allowing breast milk to stay in the breasts too long
is a great way to get a blocked duct. When dealing
with a plugged duct, do not wean your baby just yet.
This will just prolong your agony.
Just increase milk letting to every hour until the
pain subsides. Your baby will help to remove the plug
itself. Store unused breast milk in the refrigerator
or freezer until ready to use.

14. Get a Good Bra...
An occlusive, tight fitting bra is one
the hidden causes of a clogged milk
duct. If you can, get a bra fitting
done so that you can choose the right
undergarment. One that is not too
tight or too loose. Overly tight bras
can compress the milk ducts and
obstruct the flow of milk. This is
particularly an issue for women
with naturally small milk ducts.

15. Pack Pain Meds...
Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory
medication that can help to reduce the
pain and swelling associated with blocked
ducts.
Don't worry. Ibuprofen is one
the preferred pain medication used in
breastfeeding women. In breast milk,
only trivial amounts of the drug
is passed onto nursing babies.

16. Visit Your Doctor...
If your clogged duct does not resolve
on its own, visit your physician. They can
use a large needle to remove plugged milk
from a duct. There have been reports of
women who've done “self surgery” to help
remedy minor blocked ducts. However,
this is not recommended for severe cases
of blocked ducts. Leave this to your
doctor.

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