Recurring blocked ducts

[ENMS]

Hi, just wondering if anybody has BTDT or has any special advice for what worked for them.

I've been getting recurring blocked ducts. It's a never ending cycle, everytime DD skips a feed (mostly at night because I make sure never to skip in the daytime), I get blocked ducts on both sides, always the same spots. They are somewhat painful, but the pain is not the problem really, it is that is takes DAYS of hot showers, nursing on all 4's, etc to unblock them and it always affects my supply.  I had issues with supply from early on but these have been resolved now except everytime I get a blockage the supply dips and then I have to work to get it back up. No matter what I do I cannot seem to unblock them fast enough before it affects the supply.

I've googled and read lots of great sites about it. I take lecithin already every day (4 capsules a day), I am very careful not to skip a feed (except as I say when she sleeps longer at night which has been happening recently), I always pump if I feel she has not drained the breast, etc. I am not sure what I can do but there must be something!!

TIA

[MasynSpencerElliotte]

Sorry I have no btdt Elise! Just giving your post a bump in case someone else does!

[ENMS]

Bumping again!

[weaver]

The only thing I can add to what you've posted is to check that your underwear and tops aren't too tight. Even a bit of a squeeze can encourage blockage, particularly if you're prone to it. I had recurrent mastitis so I know how you feel!

[stuckunderhere]

Hmm, no idea. Lecithin fixed that issue for me...

[ENMS]

Anne I am wearing my loosest nursing bras but will try to sleep without one if I can find a shirt that will allow me to. I am also careful to sleep on my bacl'k for the last few days instead of my side, we'll see if that helps!

[Motion3]

I suffered from recurring blocked ducts too. It was really bad and I was desperate, probably tried every remedy I could find. Taking lecithin didn't help me either. However completely by mistake I found another food supplement that cured it for me completely (plus painful sharp pains in my breasts).Evening primrose oil capsules
Plus, if you're  really desperatel, I can also suggest how to get rid of a clogged duct very quickly.

[weaver]

How are you doing Elise?

EPO is a wonderful supplement but maybe good to double check suitably for bfing.

[ENMS]

Still doing the same! Had a nice week without any blockages but of course they are back now! I'm trying to be bra-free as often as possible but it does not seem to make a difference really.

I will try EPO capsules. I did a quick google and it is listed as safe by Kellymom so I think I feel good enough to try it.

Interested in how to get rid of it very quickly motion3! For now it takes multiple showers and nursing on all 4's before I see some improvement.

[weaver]

Do you have a hold you usually use? Maybe change around more? Rugby hold?

[stuckunderhere]

Yeah I was gonna suggest trying a different position. Where do the blockages usually happen on your breast? Chin must be pointed towards it.

[ENMS]

I used to BF in the biological position. I changed for a while to the cradle hold but it didn't change anything.

Now I'm alternating between both. The blockages are under the breasts, on both sides, so technically her chin is always towards the blockages.

I'm having a bout now that just won't go away. It's very sensitive, but it doesn't feel like a 'blockage' like it used to. Wondering if there is anything else that can cause sensitivity / pain in the breasts, other than blocked ducts? Or maybe it's just a small blockage, difficult to tell. It feels like I have a bruise.

[stuckunderhere]

try the football hold? I dont know if anything else can cause this... oversupply??

[ENMS]

Definitely no oversupply going on at the moment, quite the opposite!!

Will try the football hold!

[weaver]

Definitely football /rugby hold, if the blockage is where I think it is, reckon that should help.  Could just be the shape of duct & usual holds = not draining well from there.