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BREASTFEEDING AND PLUGGED DUCTS
GENERAL
INFORMATION:
What
is a plugged duct? A plugged milk duct is one that is not
draining properly. Pressure builds around the plugged duct.
Usually only one breast has a plugged duct. The breast is
usually tender and it may even be red in color. The plugged
duct may be pea-like in size or larger than a quarter. You
may even have more than one plugged duct at a time. But, you
will not have a fever or feel sick.
What
do I need to do about this plugged duct? The following ideas
may help clear the plugged duct.
Breastfeed
often, like every 2 to 3 hours or 8 to 12 times in 24 hrs.
Feed on the effected breast first to help completely empty
that breast.
Change positions of the baby while breastfeeding on the effected
side, such as changing from the football to the cradle hold.
Position your baby so that it seems as if his nose is pointing
toward the plugged duct area.
Gently massage the effected breast before and during feedings.
Use a firm, circular motion starting under the arm and moving
toward the nipple.
Put a warm, moist compress (warm wet towel) on the area for
about 5 to 10 minutes before feedings.
Soak the effected breast about 3 to 4 times a day by leaning
over a basin of warm water. Massage the area at the same time.
This can also be done while you are in the bathtub.
Avoid tight clothes, especially underwire or tight bras.
How will I know when the plugged duct is gone? The plugged
duct area will slowly decrease in size as the tenderness and
redness disappears. Call your caregiver if it seems to get
worse, like getting larger, more red and tender, or more plugged
areas are found.
What
should I do to avoid getting a plugged duct?
Start
breastfeeding with the breast you finished with at the last
feeding. Put a safety pin on the bra strap over the breast
you finished with to remember which breast to start with.
Always offer both breasts each feeding. Be sure the first
breast is completely emptied before you offer the second breast.
Breastfeed often like 8 to 12 times in 24 hours for the first
6 to 8 weeks after your baby is born. This may slow down to
about 8 times in 24 hours after your baby is 8 to 12 weeks
old.
Can my baby's caregiver help me if I have breastfeeding questions
or problems? Ask for information about breastfeeding and make
sure caregivers know that breastfeeding is important to you.
Ask your caregiver for the name of a Lactation Consultant.
This person is specially trained to help women breastfeed
their babies. Also, ask caregivers about a breastfeeding class
before your baby is born. Or, call your hospital for more
information. Breastfeeding support groups can also help you
learn about breastfeeding your baby. Call or write one of
the following organizations for more information.
La
Leche League
PO Box 1209
Franklin Park, IL 60131-8209
Phone: 1 (800) LA-LECHE or 1 (800)-525-3243
Human Milk Banking Association of North America
Web Address: http://www.hmbana.org (To get the phone number
for your state's Human Milk Banking Association).
WIC Program (Women, Infants and Children)
Web Address: http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/MENU/CONTACTS/tollfreenumbers.htm
(To get the toll free number for the WIC program in your state).
CARE AGREEMENT:
You
have the right to help plan how you are going to feed your
baby. To help with this plan, you must learn as much as you
can about breastfeeding. Ask your caregiver questions about
breastfeeding. You can talk with your caregiver about the
best way for you to feed your baby.
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