After milk supply decreased, I accidentally discovered a method to help with blocked milk ducts , which I’m sharing with you today. Due to the current situation, it’s sometimes difficult to find a lactation consultant , so you can try my method.
First, prepare two waterproof pads to place on your lap to catch the milk, and thoroughly clean your hands to avoid bacterial infection and mastitis . My method is suitable for situations where the baby is not sucking effectively , such as when the baby is too small to suckle or when breastfeeding is not possible.
The specific steps are as follow for blocked milk ducts:
- Locate the areola (not the nipple), press the areola with your fingers and push it forward, hold for a moment.
- If there is a painful lump on the front, you can squeeze it with one hand and push the lump forward with the other hand.
- Blocked milk ducts are usually caused by a blockage at the tip of the milk duct . Other milk ducts may be open, but the blocked duct cannot express milk. In this case, you need to keep pushing the lump forward while maintaining the squeezing motion until it is cleared.
This method requires several attempts to master. Hopefully, this experience will be helpful to mothers who encounter similar problems.
There’s a hole near the top, along a straight line, where milk may slowly seep out. You need to continuously press : press on this spot, push forward, and then stop. Repeat this technique; the effect will be better with practice.
Once milk begins to flow, continue this action. After a while, the milk will gush out like a small fountain. Continue this process until the flow is completely smooth. If you feel tired, you can use a breast pump to assist. After pumping, the pain will be significantly reduced. If discomfort persists, repeat the above method.
Initially, the expressed milk may be a clear, watery liquid. It’s important to thoroughly clean the nipples . I once failed to clean them promptly, resulting in white residue on my nipples, which led to severe milk duct blockage and excruciating pain a few days later. The problem was resolved after carefully wiping with a soft cotton cloth to ensure all milk residue was removed. Cleaning should be done before and after each breastfeeding session.
If your baby nurses daily, there’s no need for excessive nipple cleaning. If your baby cannot nurse, you must thoroughly clean your nipples daily to remove any remaining milk residue. If milk residue isn’t cleaned properly, it can lead to nipple blockage, a major contributing factor to engorgement. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your nipples clean.
If discomfort is already present, apply an oily product such as erythromycin ointment or nipple cream, gently rub, and then thoroughly clean with a damp cotton towel. For blocked milk ducts, try the following method: Locate the blocked milk duct and gently squeeze from the periphery towards the nipple. Observe the milk flow; usually, several small pores will continuously release milk, while the blocked pore will only leak a small amount. Continue squeezing until milk begins to spray from the blocked pore. This is because the increased pressure due to the blockage causes the milk to spray out.
Do not give up halfway through the procedure. You can refer to the method shared by the blogger: hold the areola and pull forward. This method requires practice to master. It is recommended to place a container underneath to catch the flowing milk and avoid soiling the floor. However, compared to the pain of blocked milk ducts, the cleaning issue can be dealt with later.
In addition, mothers who cannot breastfeed need to pump every four to five hours, otherwise they are very prone to blocked milk ducts, causing great pain. Here are some self-help methods for blocked milk ducts: 1. Clean the nipples regularly, especially when the baby cannot suckle. If the baby can suckle once a day, blocked milk ducts can usually be avoided. 2. Blocked milk ducts are mainly caused by milk stasis and improper nipple cleaning, leading to milk clots that cannot be expressed and form lumps. 3. Other methods (to be added).
Before proceeding, gently pat with cupped hands ; this method is quite effective. Do not use a comb, as this may damage the chest. After patting for a while, squeeze with your hands while simultaneously pushing forward with your thumbs. This method is remarkably effective and is recommended to try.
There are three points to note :
1. Ensure the nipples are clean and the milk ducts are unblocked to avoid residue;
2. Continuously stimulate the nipples to express any blockages;
3. When the milk let-down reflex occurs, continue to express milk to effectively relieve pain.
If discomfort persists, it may be due to swelling of the milk ducts caused by prolonged milk accumulation. In this case, cold compresses or Glauber’s salt can be applied , but the effect is limited. The best method is to let the baby suckle, or manually express milk every four to five hours.
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