Cures for Plugged Ducts

Cupboard Cures for Plugged Ducts

These articles in the "Cures" section are copyrighted and
are not to be reprinted without permission of the author.

Cupboard Cures is a series of articles to assist moms with some of the common breastfeeding challenges. It is a starting point and may give you some relief. You will find most of the remedies are already in your cupboard. Many of these "cures" have been used for centuries and many be of help for you until further assistance can be obtained.

What are symptoms of plugged ducts?

When you feel localized pain in the breast with a tender lump you may be experiencing a plugged duct.
You may be running a slight temperature, usually below 101.3°.
A plugged duct may become infected, resulting in mastitis or a breast abscess so if you are experiencing a fever you will want to call your healthcare provider.

What are some cupboard cures for preventing and caring for plugged ducts?

You will want to keep the breast from becoming too full and encourage the baby to feed whenever he or she shows signs of hunger.
Some added pumping may also be needed.
Rest, plenty of fluids, and nutritious foods will help strengthen your immune system.
Clothing that restricts milk flow may also be a concern. Try not to wear a bra or any other garment that may constrict or block the breast or milk ducts.
Apply ice to help take out the swelling
Starting the feeding on the breast with the plug generally assures more vigorous sucking to empty the breast. Positioning the baby with the chin pointed toward the affected area may also be of help. Along with warmth on the breast during the feeding.
Decreasing but not eliminating dietary saturated fats such as fatty beef, lamb, pork, poultry with skin, beef fat (tallow), lard and cream, butter, cheese and other dairy products made from whole or reduced-fat (2 percent) milk may help decrease the return of a plugged duct. In addition, many baked goods and fried foods can contain high levels of saturated fats.
Vitamin C has been found to help prevent and heal blocked milk ducts, since it boosts the immune system and helps reduce inflammation. It is also a great natural remedy for stress, which is a common cause of blocked milk ducts. A recommendation is to take 500 mg of Vitamin C supplements per day. You can increase your Vitamin C by going to your “cupboard” for citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, green peppers, and broccoli.
You can grate a cold, raw potato and put it over the affected help to help pull out inflammation and infection.
Parsley can also be used in a compress.
A quote about lecithin from Ask Dr. Sears reads: “Studies have shown that taking a tablespoon a day of oral granular lecithin or a capsule of 1,200 mg lecithin three to four times a day is helpful in preventing and treating plugged milk ducts.” Lecithin is a fat emulsifier, known to keep fats less sticky by increasing the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acid in your breast milk. This allows your milk to flow more freely so as to not plug your ducts. Lecithin is used often in chocolate as it gives it a smooth and creamy texture.

Plugged Ducts can be painful and discouraging. Angela is an IBCLC and can offer both professional medical help and support with this or any step in your breastfeeding journey.

Please note: If you have a question about a medical matter you should consult your healthcare provider. Do not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your healthcare provider.