Expert: ruth kraft - 4/7/2010

Question
Hi,
My 4 month old has been successfully BF since birth.  As I will return to work shortly, I have pumped extra feeds in between to store in freezer for reserves whilst we're apart (and now have sufficient so am trying to reduce supply slightly to avoid mastitis as have very good milk supply, almost too good as have been having recurrent plugged ducts which are extremely uncomfortable and painful).  He was taking a bottle of expressed milk well but now seems to not like the bottle much, preferring breastfeeding so this a concern as I am thinking about how he will take milk in my absence from our nanny - perhaps though a cup?  Is this too early for a 4 month old to use a cup? Re: avoiding plugged ducts, I have tried to alter BF positions and massage prior to feeding.  Any other advice to reduce plugged ducts would be appreciated please?  Have heard Lecithin is helpful if you are prone to clogged ducts - any suggestions warmly welcomed.

Many thanks,
Dom

Answer
Hello! No, 4 months old is not too early to drink from a cup. I would try first giving it to him in a cup or if you are using a sippy cup take out the filter part first so that he begins to understand WHY he is suppose to be putting the cup to his mouth. If you can get him to drink from a cup with a small spout or hand feed him the cup as needed ( not just let him have it all the time and spill it ) it is actually much better for developing jaw muscles. in another couple months you can even go to a straw cup.  Smart baby to know breastfeeding is much better than a bottle :)Most often , once mom isnt around, the baby will take from whatever source is provided from a care giver.

Try and put warm compresses on the clogged ducts. because it seems you have a bit of an overabundance, you can put some sage tea bags on your clogged areas for a couple hours a day if you can. you can also drink sage tea. use it very moderatly at first as you dont want to dry up your supply you just want to lessen it some. You can also try a fresh cabbage leave on your breast a couple times a day. fresh inside the bra to hold it in, when it starts to wilt, throw it out. Don't do both, pick one and start there as these are often VERY effective in reducing milk. so you don't want to have to build it back up again.  before feeding or pumping, use a warm washcloth, massage the area downward towards your nipple. nurse the baby with the babies NOSE facing the clogged duct. So, if the duct is on the bottom part of your breast, youll have to lay down and try to nurse "upside down".   

Big thing to remember, after the clog is gone, you still need to act as if its there for about a week or so , so the tissue can heal and not come back.

I hope that all helps!