Episode 04: How to Prevent Recurrent Plugged Ducts

Episode 04: How to prevent recurrent plugged ducts

Goal: help you to keep plugged ducts from happening

You should focus on 5 things to keep plugged ducts from being a reoccurring issue: 

Don't wear underwire bras (until you are done nursing)Don’t go too long without nursing. (Stay on your typical nursing schedule and if you have to skip a nursing session then try to express milk as soon as you can by pumping or hand expression)Switch up your nursing position at least once a day Hand express for 30 seconds after you pump, every time that you pump!Try to manage oversupply issues

According to KellyMom.com a plugged duct is: "An area of the breast where milk flow is obstructed."

What causes them:

Failure to remove milkGoing too long in between nursing sessionsPressure on the area (example: wearing an underwire bra)

If you are getting recurrent plugged ducts, I recommend seeing a Lactation Consultant, specifically an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), in addition to the recommendations below: 

Don't wear underwire bras (while you are nursing)

Obvious advice that you hear a lot of placesWhy risk it? First plug i got was after i wore an underwire bra

Don’t go too long without nursing. 

Clogged ducts are caused by the failure to remove milk from your boobMakes sense that going to long will cause a clogStay on a nursing scheduleIf you nurse on demand, which is what i recommend, don’t deviate from your routine too muchExpress by hand or with pump if you are in a situation where you have to skip a feedingOr nurse ASAP after a skipped feedingAlso, don't cut your nursing sessions too shortIf you get milk flowing and then stop the flow before your boob has been adequately drained it can cause a clogKeep track with the Sprout appTry to nurse for at least 5 minutes each side

Switch up your nursing position at least once a day (if you typically do cross-cradle, then for one daily session do the football hold)

It stimulates different milk ductsMade a big difference for me A lactation consultant helped me figure this out Remind yourself to change it up once per day

Hand express for 30 seconds after you pump, every time that you pump!

Never found this advice online in all my researchReally helpful if you travel or pump at workYou’ll get more milk tooVideo from Stanford Medicine about hand expression and pumpingAlso, massage your boobs while you pump

Oversupply issue

If you have an issue with oversupply, that can lead to plugged ducts as wellA IBCLC can help resolve oversupply issuesWebsite to find an IBCLC in your area

To recap, to prevent plugged ducts from reoccurring: 

Don't wear underwire bras while nursingDon’t go too long without nursing. And don't cut your nursing sessions too shortSwitch up your nursing position at least once a dayHand express for 30 seconds after you pumpTry to manage oversupply issues

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