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CrissyDi · Feb 27, 2009, 01:48 PM

I did as my midwife suggested and massaged them until they went soft again, but 30 minutes later they began to harden again. What do I do to permanately uclog them?

I read about warm rags (which I've also tried) and pumping and massaging. Is it OK to pump them while I'm pregnant? This is my first pregnancy and so I am not breastfeeding. I just need a way to unclog these ducts before it gets infected. And I need to know if I can pump and massage them out and it be OK for when the baby does arrive. I don't want to pull all the colostrum out.

kpangor · Feb 27, 2009, 04:05 PM

Crissy were you diagnosed with clogged milk ducts or u just feel them and they are as rock as a rock?
Mine were firm at the beginning but now omg they r so hard??
I might need to get dh to unclog them lollll

ang8318 · Feb 27, 2009, 05:37 PM

I am pretty sure that you should not be pumping when you are pregnant. I think it can cause contractions because hormones are released when you pump, the same goes for nipple stimulation. Hopefully J9 or Doula will be along to be more clear about this.

CrissyDi · Feb 27, 2009, 07:56 PM

Kpag- Yeh, the midwife said they were clogged milk ducts and to massage them out.

Ang- I have read that its perfectly safe to breastfeed while pregnant and the amount of hormones released is not enough to cause real contractions. Not sure though.

kpangor · Feb 27, 2009, 09:15 PM

Oh OK coolll

DoulaLC · Feb 28, 2009, 04:21 AM

You may not be able to permanently unclog them. Some women will have it repeatedly during pregnancy, but usually it is more of an annoyance than anything else.
Keep with the occasional massage, or even better may be a downward compression towards the duct. Can you see the spot? If so, compress with a flattened hand from the top of your breast downward towards that area several times. Using a warm washcloth (can be moist or dry) on the area prior to the compressions or massage may help, or you can do them while in the shower with the warm water on the area as well.
If you normally wear underwire bras, buy a couple without to wear for the remainder of your pregnancy. These should be avoided as well if you are planning to breastfeed.

CrissyDi · Mar 7, 2009, 08:05 PM

Gothcha Doula! Thanks!