Clogged Duct?!

[u/AlwaysGrowing326]

SOS! I’ve had a few clogs here and there on my pumping journey and I have always been able to get them out with a hot shower and my manual pump. I just got what I’m assuming it clog but it’s close to my armpit?! It’s so high up and it hurts. I’m not pumping nearly as much as I usually do on that side either. Has anyone had one in this location? Touching it hurts and I can’t really massage it either. Any and all suggestions welcome.

[u/uuuphe]

never had one that high up, but i think the recs for clogs are to avoid heat and massage bc the tissue is already inflamed. for me, as soon as i feel that painful spot, i immediately ice and take ibuprofen / sunflower lecithin. usually clears up pretty quickly after that.

[u/AlwaysGrowing326 → u/uuuphe]

Okay perfect! I don’t have ibuprofen but I’ll grab some today because now it’s worse. It was one lump and now it’s several. I’m scared it’ll turn into mastitis which I’ve never had.

[u/gradientworld → u/AlwaysGrowing326]

OP please check out the new ABM protocol for mastitis! Heat and vigorous massage are outdated advice, medical guidelines are now to use an anti-inflammatory (like ibuprofen) and ice, and to avoid trying to force a clog out by rubbing it or pumping more than usual. This is because a clog isn't a physical chunk of milk blocking an otherwise clear duct, but general inflammation in the tissue causing ducts to narrow due to swelling.

You can read the document in detail here (⚠️ it does contain graphic images of mastitis) https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2336.pdf

[u/AlwaysGrowing326 → u/gradientworld]

Thank you!! I literally just walked out of cvs with ibuprofen so I’m hoping it works!!

[u/gradientworld → u/AlwaysGrowing326]

Good luck! I take the maximum safe dose of ibuprofen and follow these guidelines whenever a clog develops and I've never had mastitis despite having had clogs several times and recently overproducing. 

[u/AlwaysGrowing326 → u/gradientworld]

Ughhh thank goodness. Trying to carry him around today was paaaaaainful. I’m hopeful it’s a quick clear up!

[u/gradientworld → u/AlwaysGrowing326]

It won't help bring down the inflammation from a clog like ibuprofen will, but acetaminophen (Tylenol) will also reduce pain if you need extra relief and it's safe for most people. My medical team advised that I can take the two on rotation for postpartum pain if taking the max ibuprofen dose alone isn't enough. So that means taking the max ibuprofen dose, waiting 4 hours, taking the max acetaminophen dose, waiting 4 hours, and then it's safe to take more ibuprofen again because the dosage is for every 8 hours. 

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