Done weaning...now blocked ducts

[Kirsten~]

Hi all, we finished BFing last week I did a gradual wean from BFing and pumping, and I didn't have too much trouble with fullness, except a couple of uncomfortable days. Since our last BF, I have had no engorgment. I do, however, have blocked ducts, and I am SORE! I thought they would get better with just an occasional massage, but they seem to just be getting worse. If I put pressure or massage the hard bumpy areas, I end up expressing some milk, so I'm hesitant to do much of that.

Any other ideas or suggestions? I was going to try a heat pack tonight, but since I work FT, I can really only do that once at night. I'm getting worried about mastitis, and I'm just feeling uncomfortable at work with so much soreness. TIA!

[PaulsMom]

Have you tried green cabbage leaves?  I haven't btdt but I've hear they work really well when weaning.  Here's some info

http://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/engorgement/#cabbage

[Kirsten~]

Yeah, I've heard of cabbage leaves, and I've looked through Kelly mom, but everything seems to address engorgment and not blocked ducts. I couldn't see anything for how to deal with blocked ducts when weaning or done weaning. I'm not sure if I want heat or ice.

[PaulsMom]

True but I think that the cabbage will help to dry up your milk so there is less pressure, iykwim.  If necessary you should express some milk.  Just don't do it a lot.  Over time your body will re absorb the milk. 

[eva026]

I swear by cabbage leave too, I don't know why but they work wonders. Sage and peppermint tea also helps dry you out

[Fiver]

What about some heat before a massage to break down any lumps (if you express a bit, that's fine - it's not a signal to produce copious amounts) and then cold afterwards?

[Kirsten~]

Seems to be a lot cabbage leaf support! I may try that, but I did heat last night, and that did seem to help.

Thanks, Amanda. I hadn't thought of doing heat before massage, but that makes sense. Right now, I think all the massaging I've been doing (wo heat) has made me tender, so that might help relieve that with some ice.
I guess I just thought my supply would diminish enough by now for this to not be an issue, but I guess not!

[Fiver]

I imagine it takes different times for different people, even with a gradual wean.  Hope the lumps are gone soon and don't make a return visit