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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Stopping bf + blocked ducts

4 replies

hecklephone · 29/12/2010 10:18

I'm in the process of weaning my 9mo DD2 off the breast, in fact, about 2 weeks ago I thought I'd stopped altogether but in the last couple of days I've had blocked ducts in both breasts. I don't want to go backwards, so to speak, and starting bfing again but I don't know how else to clear the ducts. I'm crap at expressing, although have tried hand expressing a little to see if that will help, but I could only get a few drops (I think there's not much milk left in there tbh). I've taken a bit of ibuprofen and I have fed DD2 once, off one side when it became too tender. Any suggestions? If I leave them will they disappear?? [hopeful emoticon] And could this be because of underwire?? I've been back in underwired bras for about a month now, but both blockages are cleavage side, at the point where the end of the underwire would lie against your skin. Any advice/experience gladly received.

OP posts:
theboobmeister · 29/12/2010 10:53

OK you could try:

  • Breast massage. With the heel of your hand, make firm sweeping movements towards the nipple concentrating on and around the tender area. Do it as often as you can. This is a good way to clear blockages and stop blocked ducts turning into anything worse.
  • Do keep trying to hand express - in the bath might be easier? Your technique will probably improve with practice.
  • Going back to non-underwired bras for the time being, just in case.

Good luck!

hecklephone · 29/12/2010 18:59

Thanks boobmeister! I have already returned to the hideous nursing bras, much to my disgust Wink I'll try a bit more massage and maybe expressing in the shower. I'm just a bit Shock that I've got blocked ducts even after stopping bf. I'm pretty sure there's not much milk left in there and I certainly haven't felt full or engorged in any way, which is why I suspect the underwire. Hopefully they'll clear soon, cheers for the advice!

OP posts:
Haggisfish · 29/12/2010 19:14

I am currently still bf six month old and am finding I am getting blocked ducts - I am also very worried about blocked ducts when I finally stop. I think the blockage will eventually get absorbed by your body,but if you find out any more good advice, let us know!

theboobmeister · 30/12/2010 20:19

Ah yes ... tis amazing how long the milk hangs around for after you stop BF!

Haggisfish - the key is to cut down gradually, rather than going cold turkey ... there is probably some good stuff about this somewhere on Kellymom.

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