Pump to avoid engorgement?

Question

I pump about 2x a day, particularly if I miss a feeding.
I’ve been having problems with a plugged duct in one breast, and am so confused about whether or not pumping can help avoid this issue.
I have been having problems also with painful letdown and engorgement.
I don’t know if pumping is harming or helping at this point.

Answer

You can also take a soak in an Epsom salt bath and massage your breasts/hand express to work out a clogged duct. I turn on one side at a time and express the one that's under the water. You do end up with a bit of a milk bath though (good for your skin!)

Answer

I think pumping should definitely help! Do you have an oversupply? If so, that might make you engorged like that and then pumping should help you empty your breasts if baby isn’t. If baby goes too many hours between feedings, that could cause engorgement too. I exclusively pump 7-8 times a day, and I sometimes get clogged ducts too. I actually just unclogged one today. Warm compresses and hand expressing after pumping cleared the duct. I heard a little “pop” sound and a bunch more milk came out. You might wanna try heat and massage to clear it!

Pump to avoid engorgement?

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