My question is how do I know if I have a clogged milk duct... I've been breast-feeding a little over 8 months and yesterday morning my left breast began to get really sore and I've feed more off it thinking it was too full but its still reallly sore... its only on my left breast on the botton a little to the right side... if its not a clogged milk duct does anyone know what it could be? Thanks

Sounds exactly what my wife had.

There was a solution they told her to use to soak... I'm guessing it was epsom salts.

But the biggest thing she did was used a breast pump to keep ducts clear. And the upside is then she also had bags of breastmilk in the freezer for times when she was away from the baby. Shed take the pump to work with her. Shed take it almost anytime she was going on a trip away from the baby, even for a half day. Would find a quiet room or private space when the "pressure" was building up and she knew shed need to get some relief.

Never had the problem again.

She got hers used and sterilized from a local midwife clinic. Cost about 250 for a double pump (can do both sides at once). Was worth absolutely every dollar.

If I had to make a top three list of things we bought and got our money out of during her pregnancy and after the baby was born, the breast pump would absolutely be right up there, if not on top of the list.

I have breastfed three children for a minimum of 1 year each(my son for 20 months!) I have experienced this same feeling at one time or another. Here's what to do. First, you must find the exact area on the breast that is sore(under the nipple, right side of nipple, etc.. ). Now nurse your baby on that same breast, with his/her chin on the same side of the nipple as the soreness. Babies nurse using a tongue thrust and usually drain more milk from the duct under their chin. Now, if you haven't caught the clogged duct in time, you may need to visit your doctor... If you begin to have a lot of pain or a fever, you should definitely go see your Physician. This "clogged duct" is one reason that it is always a great idea to change your nursing positions often. Football hold, laying on your side, etc... I hope this helps, and happy nursing! You are a good mom for giving your baby the very best.

As persain suggested if you develop a fever, soreness or redness of the breast go immediately to your doctor as this can be what is called Mastitis. Is in an inflammation of the breast and would need to be treated with antibiotics.