Expert: ruth kraft - 7/24/2009

Question
I have breastfed my daughter and pumped for a year.  Before stopping I gradually slowed my milk production by pumping less and eliminating feedings until I was only breastfeeding her right before bed and not pumping anymore.  A little over a week ago was the last time any milk was expressed, and I have not been engorged and have had no pain. I was doing well until just lately. I have noticed several very large clogs in my right breast and am now having pain.  I called the Dr. and they said that "because I also just started my period to simply wear a very supportive bra and call in a week if nothing has improved". I do not know why my period made that much difference if any.  This is going against other information that I have come to know.  I am very aware that a clogged duct can lead to serious breast infections.  If I would still be pumping, I would spend my time "pushing" it out. Should I try to pump again on that side while pushing my breast to help get it out? (this will restart my production and I don't want my milk to come in) or "just wear a supportive bra" and see if it simply goes away like the Dr's nurse instructed?  My breast is not engorged.  My breast has leaked last night and today.  I tried to press it out in the shower but it just doesn't seem to budge. When I first started the breastfeeding, I got many clogged ducts and was told that any stimulation on the breast can cause more clogs. I got a non-underwire full coverage nursing bra and had a considerable fewer number of clogs. So I am also concerned that the extra stimulation in the shower without expressing the milk will cause more clogs.  Can leaving the clogged duct also lead to future problems? Are clogged ducts just a normal part of stopping lactation that I should not be concered about and will simply dry up and go away?

Answer
What I would suggest is getting some fresh cabbage leaves and placing them in your bra by the cloggs. leave them till they wilt and put more in . do this for a couple days or over night and while you are home. You can also drink sage tea as this helps decrease your milk supply and then place the tea bags also right next to the cloggs.  does the same thing as the cabbage, dries up milk with no side effects to you and that should fix your issue :)  Leaving them clogged can lead to mastitus but after you get them to go back down and leave they don't usually continue coming back in the future for no reason. They are a common occurance in weaning but don't always need to happen...

good luck!

ruth kraft
www.honoringwomen.com