Do you know that feeling when your body is giving you a fair bit of stress? Yep, clogged milk ducts are one such common side effect of breastfeeding. The good news is that they are not something to be alarmed about; they often appear as a result of an overabundance of pressure on your body. They’re completely normal and will go away after some time. However, in case you find the pain unbearable and it begins to affect your day-to-day activities, here are some easy home remedies for clearing clogged milk ducts and relieving the discomfort.
Go to warm showers
In many cases, clogged ducts can be linked to dry skin. Warm showers will help keep your skin hydrated, preventing further clogging. This can also help you relax, as warm showers are often used as a form of meditation.
Apply heat and massage
Heat packs can be an excellent source of both comfort and pain relief. Simply apply heat to the affected area for 15 minutes and then follow it up with a gentle massage. This will open the plugged ducts and help them expel the milk build-up. Be careful not to massage too roughly, as you don’t want to cause more damage than good.
Eat healthily
When breastfeeding, it is crucial to boost your intake of Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Zinc. These are all essential for your body to produce more milk. Vitamin C is also important for the proper functioning of your immune system. This is especially important after a cold; make sure to ingest a decent amount of Vitamin C to prevent it from getting worse and to protect your baby. Zinc is also helpful in reducing the risk of clogged ducts in your breasts and Vitamin E is important for building up your immunity. Make sure to eat plenty of carrots, bell peppers, and other vegetables that contain high amounts of Vitamin C. Zinc-rich foods include beans, nuts, and seeds.
Use nursing pads
Nursing pads can be a great way to relieve clogged ducts, especially if they are causing you some discomfort. This will allow the milk to flow freely and you won’t feel any pain. Be careful not to use overly thick pads, as you don’t want your baby to have trouble latching on, nor do you want him or her to choke. If you’re concerned about your baby’s latch, speak to a lactation consultant for more information and help. If you don’t use nursing pads, be sure to wear loose clothing to prevent any milk from leaking onto your clothes. You may also want to consider using a nursing pillow while breastfeeding. This will help keep your baby in a safe and comfortable position while you’re breastfeeding and will ensure that your baby’s latch is correct.
Try alternative breastfeeding positions
Breastfeeding often causes clogged ducts, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many positions that can help you avoid clogged ducts. Keep in mind that you should try these positions only after your baby reaches 3 months old. The football hold position is one that is commonly used to prevent clogged ducts. This position will allow your baby to latch on easily and will allow you to encourage a good latch with relative ease. This position is quite close and will help you prevent clogged ducts because it takes the pressure off your breasts. The laid-back position and side-lying position can also be helpful in preventing clogged ducts in your breasts.
Massage with essential oils
Massaging with essential oils can provide relief from many breastfeeding-related issues, including clogged ducts. Choose an essential oil that has anti-inflammatory properties, such as rosemary, and massage it into your breasts. This will help to soothe your breasts and reduce the risk of clogged ducts. You can combine this remedy with a warm shower and a cold pack to get the best results. Keep in mind that you should only apply a few drops of essential oil to avoid irritation. If you are breastfeeding, avoid essential oils that are known to increase milk flow, as this could cause your baby to choke. Be careful when applying essential oils near your baby, as they may be strong enough to cause your baby to cough.
Conclusion
Clogged milk ducts are a normal part of breastfeeding. Fortunately, they’re not particularly dangerous and can be treated at home with ease. Keep in mind that excessive milking and improper latching can also cause clogged ducts, so be sure to switch up your breastfeeding routine from time to time. These 6 best breastfeeding tips to relieve clogged milk ducts will be sure to provide you with some relief.