Pumping

Carlye🎀 • Layla Irie, 6lb 7 oz, born 11/24 at 37 weeks 💞
I breastfed while we were in the hospital but started pumping and bottle feeding when we got home. I did this with our first child as well. I pump every 2 hours, use hot compresses prior to pumping, use lanolin, and wear gel soothing nipple pads in between pumping. I have a clogged duct in one breast and have been massaging the area while I pump. As far as I know this is all I can do for the duct issue. I also have scabs on my nipples from the pumping and was wondering what to do. It's painful, but it's only been 6 days so I am waiting for them to heal. Should I remove them or is it safe to leave them? I don't want to contaminate her milk with anything. Any advice is welcome! Thanks.