Plugged duct but already stopped breastfeeding

[mushumouse]

Hi all :-)

I didn't have a very successful breastfeeding journey due to a health condition hindering my milk supply, so stopped trying to bf & pump about 3 weeks after giving birth. There was such little milk that I just stopped cold turkey and didn't think much of it and didn't have any symptoms from doing that, but now 3 weeks after stopping I now think I have a clogged milk duct (hard small pea sized bump under the skin, and the skin is pink on the surface).

I've read that breastfeeding or pumping can help clear the clog but I have been trying all day with the pump and cant produce any milk (which isn't that surprising as the most I've ever produced when I was actively trying to bf & pump was about 5ml in a 30min pumping session). I've also tried a hot bath, hot shower and hot compresses to the breast.

Does anybody have any tips or experience with a clogged duct after they have stopped producing milk? I'm concerned that it could get a lot more painful and turn into mastitis so I feel a bit desperate!

Thanks for your help :-)

Yeah, I breastfed for 10 months (wanted to stop much sooner but had an avid bottle refuser!) anyway, I got pregnant again, supply slowed and baby 1 was super frustrated - I did what you should and stopped gradually. For a few weeks after I'd get a blocked duct, I found getting in a hot shower and hand expressing worked (I could never get much with a pump), a hot flannel and some massage of the lump will help too. Mine was quickly resolved but if yours isn't get in touch with your local La Leche leader (there's normally a Facebook group or the site should give you more info: www.laleche.org.uk )
Hopefully they'll give you some proper tips. Good luck!