Other Treatments for Plugged Ducts (Breastfeeding Problems: Flat, Inverted or Retracted Nipples & Plugged Ducts continued)
Other treatments that help with a plugged duct are to massage the breast area gently or take a warm bath. Both massaging and warm bathing will help the milk release itself from the duct. You can also choose to apply a warm compress onto your breasts to help open the duct while breastfeeding or massage the breast while breastfeeding. It is also advisable that you get as much rest as you can.
Lumps due to plugged ducts are relatively common among women. Not all women experience plugged ducts when breastfeeding, but it does happen to a good amount of women, and is nothing to be too concerned about. However, if your lump or plugged duct comes with a fever or flu and these symptoms last for more than a day, it could mean you are dealing with an infection that requires antibiotics. Consult your doctor about what to do. In fact, any plugged duct that lasts more than three days should be examined by a doctor. You may have to find other ways of releasing the milk.
One way you can release milk from a plugged duct is to do therapeutic ultrasound treatment. This is usually available at clinics or maybe even your doctor’s office. Treatment is done quickly. It takes about five minutes once a day. Discuss this option with your doctor. The ultrasound should be able to clear your plugged duct within two days.
Some plugged ducts happen repeatedly on the same part of the breast. This may form a galactocele, which is an area that contains a creamy material within the duct. This galactocele will also appear like a lump, and can be rather large. If you have repeated episodes of plugged ducts, try changing the way you feed your baby, as this may be the reason. Talk to a lactation consultant and discuss your feeding positions and what might help.
Apart from a galactocele, a blister at the end of your nipple can form when you have a plugged duct. You can choose to open the blister yourself with a sterilized needle and squeeze out the contents. This is not always easy, though and if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, a clinic or your doctor can easily do this for you.
Repeated plugged duct episodes can be prevented through therapeutic ultrasound reatment as well. Other times your doctor may prescribe lecithin, which can also help with repeatedly occurring plugged ducts. You can also try wearing loose clothing to avoid compressing your breasts and promoting any blockage in the milk ducts or breast tissue.
Next Article: Breastfeeding Problems: Overactive Milk Ejection
|
