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Hey mama! After pregnancy and we are all healed up after labour, we kind of expect the aches, pains and problems to go away right? Well mama, if you’re breastfeeding then a blocked milk duct is a very real problem and pain! Knowing how to clear a blocked milk duct will save this. When I was breastfeeding, I spent a lot of time frantically typing into Pinterest ‘How to clear a blocked milk duct’. All while holding a hot flannel on my boob!!
It’s an annoying but very real problem for us breastfeeding mums. It’s also important to know how to clear a blocked milk duct because if left untreated, not only is it painful, it can turn into mastitis! This requires more than just home remedies. It’ll be a trip to the doctors and possibly antibiotics. Now, we don’t want that really do we? Next time you suspect you have a blocked milk duct, try these simple, but highly effective tips to get rid of that pain in the boob!
So How Do You Clear a Blocked Milk Duct?
Massage
Gently massaging the blocked area can help to shift that blockage. Even better, do it while nursing on that boob. The massage and the sucking action could help shift it quicker.
Hot Compress
When you apply something warm to an area it helps muscles to relax and blood vessels to dilate. This can be enough to clear that blockage. Try a hot compress and then massage. Repeat this a few times a day. These Lanisoh Breast Therapy pads are amazing. They can be hot or cold to soothe your painful bits, and they fit nicely in your bra.
Related: Breastfeeding Essentials you Actually Need.
Nursing
Your midwife, health visitor and doctor will all tell you that the best person to clear the blockage is your nursing baby. After all, they are designed to feed from us, and our boobs are designed to be fed from. Nurse, nurse and nurse some more to help clear the blocked milk duct. A nursing cushion is also a great idea to give your arms, and back a bit of a rest while nursing.
Need to know how to clear a blocked milk duct? These 7 tips will get your milk flowing again in no time! #breastfeedingtips Click To Tweet
Related: 20 Simple Newborn Tips First Time Parents that will Change your Life!
Pumping
Sometimes, it is when you pump that you first notice a blockage. That could be because you express a lot less milk than the other boob, or than what is normal for you. In between nursing, try using your breastpump to clear the blockage as well.
Cabbage Leaves
I know, this is an ‘old wives tale’. I was told by my midwife however that this does actually work, and it’s the only old wives tale they still recommend. When you’ve got your cabbage leaves, bend them back to crack the veins in them. This helps to release the enzyme present within cabbage that helps to reduce inflammation, then pop them in your bra. True story.
Related: How to stop breastfeeding.
Change Feeding Position
It could be the feeding position of your little one. This is not saying that you are doing anything wrong, it only means that part of your boob isn’t being emptied properly in that position. Try another position that targets the specific area you feel is blocked. Not sure what other feeding positions there are? Check out this amazing article by Genevieve Howland on Mama Natural.
Epsom salts
Having a lovely relaxing bath with some Epsom Salts can also be great for a blocked milk duct. The way they work is that they help to draw things out. It works by detoxifying as it breaks down into magnesium and sulfate in water. Make sure you rinse yourself off afterwards before you breastfeed.
You may feel that it is your time to end breastfeeding and remember, that it’s ok if you want to stop. Read here for tips on how to stop breastfeeding easily
Share with us! Have one of these tips on how to clear a blocked milk duct worked for you? Do you have another method you swear by? Let us know.
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