Episode 04: How to Prevent Recurrent Plugged Ducts

This week we are continuing to talk about plugged ducts. In this episode we are discussing how you can keep plugged ducts from becoming a chronic issue.

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 milk

• Going too long in between nursing sessions

• Pressure 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 places

• Why risk it? Wear a nursing bra without instead!

• 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 boob

• Makes sense that going to long will cause a clog

• Stay on a nursing schedule

  • If you nurse on demand, which is what i recommend, don’t deviate from your routine too much

  • Express by hand or with pump if you are in a situation where you have to skip a feeding

  • Or nurse ASAP after a skipped feeding

• Also, don’t cut your nursing sessions too short

• If you get milk flowing and then stop the flow before your boob has been adequately drained it can cause a clog

• Keep track with the Sprout app

• Try 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 ducts

• Made 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 research

• Really helpful if you travel or pump at work

• You’ll get more milk too

  • Video from Stanford Medicine about hand expression and pumping

• Also, massage your boobs while you pump

Oversupply issue

• If you have an issue with oversupply, that can lead to plugged ducts as well

• A IBCLC can help resolve oversupply issues

  • Website to find an IBCLC in your area

To recap, to prevent plugged ducts from reoccurring: 

• Don’t wear underwire bras while nursing

• Don’t go too long without nursing. And don’t cut your nursing sessions too short

• Switch up your nursing position at least once a day

• Hand express for 30 seconds after you pump

• Try to manage oversupply issues

Thank you for listening!