Blocked milk duct - how to not get mastitis?

Question

I need to try avoid getting mastitis.. 😳 I exclusively pump and I’m 99% sure I have a blocked milk duct I can’t get rid of. 
I’ve sat in the shower under hot water and hand expressed rubbing out the lump, I’ve tried pumping and rubbing it at the same time. I’m not sure what else to try? 
The lump is hard and the area is red but it isn’t painful unless I touch/press it. 
How concerned should I be? Should I go to the dr or try other things first?

Answer

A hand warmer and a hard massage on it while you pump.  I get rough with my clogged ducts.

Answer

Lean over completely when you hand express, gravity helps pull the milk out. Like another comment said do not be gentle with the massage! You have to work it or it’ll just sit there and worsen. I always hand expressed into the sink in my bathroom leaning over completely and would wrap my hand around the whole boob closest to my chest squeezing tighter on the side where the lump is and move towards the nipple. Super similar to how you’d see people milk cows! I’d also use my thumb and push behind the lump towards my nipple putting a good amount of pressure on it to get it moving. It’ll be uncomfortable but trust me you’ll feel the milk loosening as it comes out! Heating pads/hot wash cloths right onto the lump itself centralizes the heat to where you want it versus a shower warms everything. 
I’ve heard some people say they’ve taken sunflower letchin to help with reoccurring clogged ducts but personally never used it so I’d talk to your doctor before trying any supplements.

Answer

I read to massage in front of the duct and then on the duct itself. Imagine a car pile up, the first few cars need to move out of the way first for more cars to pass through.

Answer

I had a similar issue and nothing was helping... Turned out it was a milk blister on my nipple that blocked the milk from coming out. It was barely noticeable but after I popped it all the milk came out and it was instant relief!

Answer

Buy a breast massager. I have one I got on amazon. It’s the best and only thing I found that helped

Blocked milk duct - how to not get mastitis?

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