View Full Version : Plugged duct advice needed - after breast surgery
Ever since DD was born I keep getting a plugged milk duct on the same breast and pretty much in the same area every other day or so. It is very painful and they seem to be fairly deep. It only affects the one side all the time and it is the same side that I have had to have breast surgery on 3 years ago. If you have any suggestions for me I would really appreciate it.
Congratulations on your decision to breastfeed.
I don't have much advice because I don't have a lot of experience with breast surgery. What kind of surgery did you have?
I would suggest that you contact a IBCLC and/or your doctor that did the surgery.
One thing to note is that it is possible to completely nourish your baby with one breast. If the pain is unbearable and you can't get your plugged duct to clear up, you could slowly decrease your milk supply in the affected breast and just feed with one.
Before you go that route though, I'd definitely speak with a certified lactation consultant and your doctor.
Good Luck and HTH!
Thank you for your information. I have spoken with these people and they really don't know what to think about the situation either. It really isn't that painful and we have been working through it. It just seems funny that I would only get it on the one side and in the same area all the time.
I had to have surgery due to a large lump. They had to remove more then they thought once inside. I have a large divit on the side by my right arm. I don't usually have as much milk on this side due to the surgery but have been able to supply my daughter with more then enough milk. I have an over abundance and had with my other 3 children as well. I really don't want to only nurse on one side but if it is meant to be then so be it. I plan to continue to nurse her for several years.
It is sometimes difficult to determine how well lactation will function in a breast once surgery is done. I'm glad you've spoken with an LC and your Dr about this.
Sounds like you're working with the situation as best you can. Try massaging the breast while nursing (or even before and after) to see if that helps. Heat has a tendency to make milk flow, a heating pad may be helpful too. If possible, line up baby's chin with the plug to help draw the milk out. This may require some creative positioning - try the side-lying position.
Yep! I'd just keep trying heat and massage and see if it won't clear up on it's own.
Anything's possible!
I'm glad you've got lot's of milk! I always had an "overabundance" too! LOL
Good Luck!
vBulletin® v3.6.5, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
SEO by
vBSEO 3.0.0 RC8