Inevitable Clogged Milk Ducts and No Relief

PUT YOUR BABIES NEEDS FIRST!!!! You need to set some ground rules and stick to them. It's time to tell your MIL to back-off. Your baby needs your breastmilk, who cares what your MIL needs. Unplug the phone and bolt the door and chill out with your baby for 2 weeks. If she is not understanding, that's her problem. Don't let your child come second to some over-demanding grown woman!!!!

As far as the plugged ducts, I found it really relaxing and helpful to run a really warm bath and get in by yourself for about 15 minutes while you just let your breast soak in the warm water. Then have your husband bring you the baby and nurse in the warm water. The combination of warm water and sucking should clear out your ducts. Congrats on sticking with breastfeeding even in non-supportive circumstances!

Honey, STAY HOME the first 3-4 weeks with every baby.....and work solely on breastfeeding together. This will establish your milk and then go out and see everyone....

Why are you going to your MIL's so often? How do you get your own rest? How do you take care of yourself with all that socializing? Unless she's doing your laundry while there, and feeding you, and sending lots of leftovers home with you so you don't have to cook until you see her next. That schedule would exhaust me and a new baby. Then you're a set up for more than clogged milk ducts... I would call right now and tell you are just too tired and not up to a visit. Let's reschedule.

It's going to be difficult the first few times, but it sounds like you need to learn to set boundaries with her. And why does hubby want to go over so often? I would fake it until you make it if you aren't comfortable with the truth...so say you have a head ache or other temporary illness.....and STAY HOME with your baby until your milk and nursing relationship is easy.

So, to help relieve the clogged milk ducts, while baby is nursing, take your opposite hand and massage, push, and palpitate on the sore area. This will help smooth out the lactiferous glands, open up the path and then baby's sucking will help empty the problem ducts. Repeat on each side.

I nursed my last child for over 2 years and always had this one glad that gave me problems. I had to tap it A LOT b/c once you have mastitis you will never want to have it again. So to this day, I find myself absent mindedly, in public, palpitating my breast. I just wonder what others think of that???

EDIT to your UPDATE:
V.,
Did you leave a message with your doctors call center or answering service? If not, call back and tell them you need to speak with your doctor or whoever is on call. They will page the MD for emergencies. If you are having breast pain, hot flashes and nausea, you have probably developed a full on case of mastitis and this CANNOT wait until Monday morning.....It is an emergency.....

And for heaven's sake - CANCEL all MIL visits until you are absolutely 100% WELL and your milk is established....

Good luck V.!

Dear Mama-

I understand you situation. I would have a serious conversation with Hubby and ask if you could reduce the frequency of the visits, just not stop them altogether (as I know that would be impossible). This is a critical time, for you, for the baby and for your bonding time together. The other part of the conversation you need to have is that you need HIS support for BFing the baby. Tell him you need him to step up and "protect" you and either give you the chance to nurse by excusing yourself from the visitors and going in an alternate location/room or that if he feels this is rude, tell him you will do it there in front of whatever guests are present and they will have to deal. His support will be SO critical in making this a success.

Now, IMO, if you are with your baby, there is no reason you should be pumping. I nurse with company present, I nurse at the mall, I've nursed in a parking lot... If you are doing on demand feeding then this is what you need to do when baby is hungry. There is really no ifs or buts about it. And, you can be discrete about it - use a lightweight blanket or buy a nursing shawl (Target). After a while, baby will know what to go for and where and really, even those are unnecessary (IMO). As an example, I once nursed on the bleachers at a traveling circus we had gone to. The baby was fussing and I just discretely sat him on my lap and did what we needed to. I was a bit nevous until Hubby put an arm around us and reassuringly squeezed my shoulder. Noone said a thing and I am not even sure they knew or noticed.

I produce a huge amount of milk in the beginning and I will either pump off milk between feedings (about 15 minutes after baby finishes) or I will "finish off" whatever baby leaves behind. Sometimes this means feeding a little on each side then pumping each side. Other times it means having to only pump one side. I just make sure that baby starts on the pumped side, if it is not being done equally. It may not seem like alot, but removing even an ounce to two feels better. I am a full-time working Mom and I usually freeze this milk for later use when I return to work. Occassionally, I do need a break and we will use that milk for Daddy to feed the baby, but ultimately, even if not nursing, I pump to maintain the supply.

Fluctuations in milk are typical. This is totally normal so don't worry too much. If you baby seems full and content and is gaining weight, I would not worry too much about these changes. Using the pumping techniques (above) you can help even this out a bit.

I too have experienced "lumps" in the breasts. The best solution I have found is to take a really hot shower and then let Hubby massage them out. I will not lie, for me it hurts like H#LL, but the area is usually too tender for me to touch and rub so I let him do it. I'll usually cry and sob and clench a pillow, but after a few massages two or three times a day, while continuing to nurse, things loosen up and feel better. I have never had to see a doctor (i.e. things have resolved and not gotten worse).

Lastly, your MIL will continue in her ways, unless you create different expectations. If she is entertaining the baby, tell her you are going for a nap and then do it (and set an alarm for 20 or 30 minutes later). If she comes over, ask her to pitch in with dishes or clothes or assisting in preparing dinner, whatever you need. She may not realize that you need the help or she may not want to impose or she may be worried she is doing it "wrong". You won't kow until you ask her to assist. If she is unwilling then make the most of what you are getting - time without baby attached to you - and do something small. Just don't exhaust yourself. If need be, a post-partum doula may be an option that you explore with your husband. (Not wanting to spend money may be exactly what he needs to see to get him to speak up to his Mom about the family's needs....)

The final issue is her insistance that you formula feed. If this is something that is really bothering you, arm yourself with facts (the internet is full of them) about the benefits, share them and then simply state that this is a personal decision and that you appreciate her support in this matter. Honestly, if she is struggling so much over this basic [personal] decision, the future looks to be a long road as you begin to decide on the values and morals you want to instill in your child.

I wish you lots of luck.
~C.

One of the most difficult things about becoming a mother is the realization that you have to put your baby's needs above anyone else's. Any what your baby needs is a happy, healthy mother. By tying to please your husband and his family, you are hurting yourself, and by extension, your baby. If you are not able to prioritize yourself right now, call your doctor and ask to be evaluated for PostPartum depression. It would be nice if your husband was your ally in this, because it will have long lasting consequences if he isn't. Show him these posts if he doesn't step up, but ultimately you are responsible for taking care if you and the baby.

This is all very normal in the beginning. Having a baby changes everything, and it seems like it takes Dads a little longer to catch on. Good luck and congratulations... These early days don't last forever and it does get better!

Okay, first warm compresses will help relieve the clog. If it turns into mastitis you'll need to see the doctor and get a prescription. You obviously don't want that and I can tell you from experience mastitis SUCKS!!! BAD!! And yes, you need to keep pumping. I understand the crazy family situation but you will have to just either whip it out in front of everyone and breastfeed or go to a private area for a while. THey will have to deal and I think more of them then not will understand. You have to do what you think is right and if you want to breastfeed then do it and don't apologize to anyone for it. I had a really hard time too and I did things (that I later decided I was NOT doing with my second, but that's a whole other story! ;) to try and make it work that was not supported by my family either...but I did it b/c that's what I wanted and what I thought was right. My husband supported me and although it does matter what the others think, let's be realistic, it does matter a little, ultimately what really matters is that your husband supports you.

You can get 'hooter hiders' or just use a blanket, do whatever works for you but keep at it. Calmy explain to your family that this is the way it is and they will have to stop holding the baby so it can eat. Good luck, I know it's hard! You will get through it!

The only thing it sounds you need is to say NO. Say it with me: "NO". Tell your hubby to get on board and keep his family off your back. Your baby is 11 days old for pete's sake. They need to leave you alone!
Tell them that they can only visit when hubby is home and that they cannot stay longer than 2 hours.
If you can't or won't nurse in front of them, retreat to a quiet space like your bedroom. But then on the other hand, it's amazing how fast unwanted guests will leave when you start whipping out the boobs to feed your baby. You should try it :)
Seriously you need to stand up for yourself and your child. Better start now or they will keep walking all over you.
NO - just one syllable, such a simple word, so hard to say!
Good luck!

Oh boy, how inconsiderate they are!! You need to take care of the two most important people in this scenario - you and baby - your husband is a big boy and can take care of himself. Rest and get yourself and your baby into a routine of sorts. Get the well deserved rest you need to get your milk flowing. Stress contributes to the clogged ducts. Get firm with the visitors and your husband.

As difficult as it may be, just say no and stick by your decision. Tell your husband you are not feeling well, and let him deal with his family. End of discussion. You need your rest! You do not want this to turn into mastitis-it's like having the flu with a hot poker stabbed into your breast. I got a horrible case of mastitis when my daughter was 10 days old, and I am STILL taking antibiotics for it (she is 9 weeks old). It's been a nightmare, and the infection decimated my milk supply-pretty much putting an end to my breastfeeding altogether. Don't let this be you!! Trust me, take care of yourself!! As for the clogged ducts, just massage the lumps and express in a hot shower. They usually resolve themselves in a couple of days - IF you breastfeed regularly. Pumping helps but ultimately you need your baby to breastfeed. Like I was told, the baby is the BEST way to take care of a clogged duct and nursing regularly will keep it from happening again.
If your MIL insists on coming over to see the baby, then let her babysit while you get an hour or two of sleep and/or a nice relaxing shower.

At 11 days old, you need to breastfeed for baby and pump for yourself. Meaning don't give baby the bottle just to appease your MIL. You are engorged now but it won't always be that way and if you don't have BF'ing established and well underway the chances of not continuing are much higher. I personally believe it's LESS appropriate for your MIL to force her views/understanding onto what you consider and know to be the best thing for you and your baby. She doesn't have to be understanding she needs to just deal with it and you need your hubby to stand up to her.

If family live so close that you see them all the time there is no reason for you to go over there tonight. Tell your MIL to piss off. You're tired, you're stressed, you're BREASTFEEDING, you don't want all those people spreading germs to your 11 day old and that is that!!!

It seems as though your husband is unsupportive too. He's a big boy, if he wants to spend 5 hours with his parents he is more than welcome but tell him you are staying home to establish a routine and a bond with baby without meddling, over-opinionated, unsupporting people stressing you out.

Short of that, just whip it out and feed baby. Bare it all and when MIL is shocked and disgusted just let her know you need a private room if she doesn't like it and if she won't support it you will be leaving as baby's needs are WAYYY more important than her feelings!

I'm sorry you have such a selfish boor for a MIL. My MIL would never DREAM of telling me anything about how to feed/raise my children. EVER!

AFTER READING YOUR CONTINUATION:

If your husband would be that upset then he needs to cut the apron strings! He sees them every other day. 5 hours on a Sat night isn't going to hurt him. LET HIM GO BY HIMSELF!!! If you don't take care of yourself you will be no good to anyone. How old are you? Not that it really matters but I find that most MIL tend to trample the younger wives because they don't stand up for themselves.....

I haven't read all the responses, so forgive me if I'm repeating.

First of all, why can't you feed your child at your mother in laws house? Are you really expecting that an 11 day old child go 5 hours with out eating? No way! If the baby's hungry, take that baby and say "The baby needs to nurse now." And nurse your baby! Don't let her stop you! If you don't feel comfortable nursing in front of people, ask if there's a room you can go in to. If she give you grief, then leave. YOU'RE THE MOTHER NOT HER! I think it's terrible that anyone is making you feel guilty about this! You need to feed ON DEMAND. NO BOTTLES! NONE! Your husband needs to take your side on this. Tell him how you feel and what is going on. Any man worth his salt will stand by your side on this one. It's not like you're saying they can't hold the baby. It's time to put that foot down NOW!

Take your hubby up on the offer to stay home and if he offered then he has some understanding which is great. I would suggest staying home for a whole week just you and baby nursing all the time. That will help with any clogged ducts. I had mastitis a few times and is painful. didn't know what it was the first two times. Ran a fever for a bit and had pain, but it went away both times so after that I knew what it was and just nursed a lot, football hold worked well for me and getting rid of clogged ducts. Seriously, just stay home and spend time resting with your baby. when you do go for a visit, I would just not take any bottles with you. When he is hungry, just nurse him. If you feel the need to take the baby to another room, then do it. Say he is hungry, I need to feed him and leave it at that. If people object or ask questions, blame it on the pediatrician. Tell them the Dr. said you need to nurse right now at what ever specified intervals. The ped said he needs the breast-milk, the ped says it is best to nurse instead of pump and bottle feed, the ped said he needs to feed so often, etc. This gets you off the hook and even if they complain about the Dr. it isn't your fault then and they can't fault you for following your Dr.s advice. Well they could but it isn't likely, most people won't. This may seem difficult at first but this is your baby, not theirs. He needs you right now more than anyone else. They can wait, they will have a lifetime with him, but now they can't give him what he needs most. Bonding time with his Mommy and lots and lots of nursing is what he really needs. Good luck!!!!!

Hi! Congrats on ure little one!! It's tough being a new mom to begin with and having unsupportive people around you does not make it any easier!!
Breast feeding is the best thing you can do for ure baby!! Sometimes it can be challenging but it's worth it!
Feeding a newborn can't be schedulized in the beginning. You have to feed on demand. This means saying to all around you, "Excuse me, we'll be back after he/she eats." And it doesn't matter where you are. At home or the inlaws. It's YOUR baby! To stablize your milk production, the baby pretty much does that for you, but you have to FOD(feed on demand). Pumping here and there confuses your breast and not feeding often causes clogged milk ducts, mastitis and just makes you uncomfortable. You definately don't need the stress!
As for the MIL, well she's just going to have to abide by ure wishes for a while, unfortunately. You are only doing what's best for the baby!! Also you JUST had a baby, you sound like you've been at ure MIL more than at home? That's to much exposure for you and the baby. Honestly if you stay home for at least a week without going out just you and your little one, it will make a world of difference. Less stress is best for the breast. Hope this helps!!

You need to say NO! You are still recovering (the hot flashes can be normal - after my 1st child, I had night sweats for weeks, but none with baby #2) and everyone needs to realize that. Yes, the baby is cute, but he needs his mother more than he needs cuddles from other folks. Just don't go. You need to put your foot down if your hubby won't. I'd be less dramatic if they were helping out (feeding you, cleaning your house, doing your laundry), but they are just being selfish.

Take care of yourself!

I would take the baby out of anyone's arms who has him and say: "I am going upstairs to feed him". I had to be away from noise and bustle or else my milk would not let down. This is YOUR baby. I would also put my foot down and say that you need some bonding time with YOUR child and husband, not this circus that seems to be your home. Why do you HAVE to go over to MIL's house? You have a very legitate reason to stay home WITH you baby and get some rest and time with him alone. I think it is time to stand up for what you want, and have hubbie's support. Just calmly tell them you enjoy their company but you want and need some time without visitors. For the clogged ducts, if warm compresses multiple times a day don't work, you may need medicine to avoid an infection. You can nurse with the meds, I did. By warm compress they mean, take a big washcloth or small towel and soak it in hot water, wring it out, and wrap the whole thing around your breast. Do this repeatedly to keep the wet towel warm. You could also call someone in the Laleche league, around here (Boston suburbs) there are many volunteers with Laleche who will come to your home to help with latch on problems or low supply, etc. The more you demand (pump or nurse) the more you body will make supply. My daughter was early can could not latch on so I had to pump for 3 weeks while my husband fed her what I had in store in the fridge with a Haberman feeder (special preemie bottle), and all that pumping in the first few days and weeks made for HUGE supply. It would drip through pads and literally squirt out in the shower like both breasts were peeing milk in a arc. But I did have help from a lactation consultant in the hospital and Laleche at home. Good luck, it is so worth it to nurse, stick to your guns and ask for some help.

The reason MIL isn't supportive about breastfeeding is the formula companies came into existance around the time of evaporated milk and there are several generations of moms that were convinced by marketing that it was better than breastfeeding. They don't get it and I think it kinda freaks them out.

You are recovering, you need to get sleep and a routine. Your husband needs to understand that and support it unless he wants a sick mama and a crying infant on his hands. He needs to man up and tell his family that you need to take a break from long visits. If they want to see the baby, they can come for an hour or two and then all go out to dinner and give you some peace, then bring you leftovers and go home. Too bad if they want to hold the baby - it's YOUR baby and you can darn well take it into another room and feed it.

Here's me being a stinker - If you have to visit them or if they visit you and the baby's hungry, take it into another room to nurse. If MIL raises a stink about you leaving the room, using some modest discretion, whip it out and nurse right there. If they don't like it, too bad. That's what I did - baby and mommy come first, and it's natural.

It sounds like you have two different issues, which both merit a response...

On the nursing, I hate to write it, but it does sound like mastitis. I had this infection several times* with my first, and it clears up quickly after you start an antibiotic. I would hate to wait to Monday to get started on one. I'd also suggest finding out how to get help on weekends - closing the office without having some sort of physician on call (I never had to go in to the office to get help - over the phone was fine) doesn't cut it in this day and age...

Secondly, the MIL thing needs to change NOW or it will snowball as your child gets older. If you and your husband agree that your milk is best for your baby, then you need to get on a regular routine, regardless of what his mommy says (if not, then you and he need a heart to heart). I believe that you have two options - announce that it is time for the baby to eat, then either whip it out (which I found much more effective for people who aren't getting the message, but it totally depends on your comfort level) or take the baby away from whoever is holding him. If you'd feel more comfortable making it less about you, then you can say something to the effect of "the nurse/doctor said that it's important for him to eat every three hours, so we're keeping to that schedule while he's awake" It's really no one else's business how/when you feed your baby - you're his mom and know what's best for him. Oh, and don't even get me started on whether she "finds it appropriate" to go off in another room to pump - your house, your child, your life, and it sounds like you're starting by making the decision to do what's best for your little man. Good luck keeping it up~

* I was able to nurse until 10 months (still getting over the "mommy's guilt" for not making it to a year) depsite the infections, because the pain went away quickly after starting the antibiotic...

Do not go to MIL's house tonight. Stay home and rest - as you and baby should be. MIL will just have to deal with it as an adult should be.

Stop catering to the meanies and tell them they either have to leave - when the baby is hungry, or they can stay and clean your house or cook while you and baby are resting/nursing.

Do not allow other people to derail and sabotage the wonderful decision you made for your newborn.

Pump and nurse at the same time... nursing from only ONE breast per session and pump the other side after nursing. Pumped milk should be for emergencies, not a daily schedule - if you continue to pump and feed with bottles you will sabotage your milk production and create a frustrating failure which could have been easily avoided.

V., I am SO sorry to hear you've received some rude posts, as this is not the place for people to do that, and things come across so much more harshly on email. I've also gotten rude posts and it made me want to cry.

I haven't read the other responses, but I've gotten clogged 1/2 a dozen times, so in terms of resolving: 1) take a hot shower and soap up your breasts and use a wide tooth comb to massage those lumps, then get out and have your baby nurse. Hopefully others have also posted that nursing the baby (vs pumping) is the best way to ensure the breast gets totally emptied. 2) Another solution is to use hot wet diapers (instead of washcloths) on your breasts before nursing, as a diaper will stay hot longer than a washcloth. Put the diaper on the breast for 5 min or so before nursing, then massage and nurse at the same time, applying the diaper to the other breast (assuming they're both clogged?). Ibuprofen is okay to take, as I know the pain is pretty unbearable. Please please take care of yourself as this can turn into mastitis (sp?) and put you in the hospital/on additional medicines.

Overall, it is critical in this first month to get in a rhythm of nursing your baby (every 2-3 hours or as often as he needs it) so you both get used to it. I think the first month is the hardest (and most painful) but it gets so much easier as time gets on and he gets better at it.

Lastly, I understand the MIL situation a bit...both my mom and my MIL didn't quite understand the importance I felt for breastfeeding, and my mom still suggests from time to time I give my 6 month old a bottle (DD #2).

BEST OF LUCK!!!

When you read this, please be aware that I have THE MOST controlling MIL on earth who acts EXACTLY the same way. My kids are 5, 3 and 1 and I have been through this with all of them as newborns. The privacy invasions and stress when you need rest. I blame her for risking my 3rd baby's life, because when I was on bed rest for a high risk pregnancy and my husband was out of town, she DEMANDED to come visit at the end of month 8 because it worked for HER, she IGNORED my directions that 3 days was the limit, stayed 6 DAYS and ran me ragged watching some kids while she took others on adventures and riled them up and I had to entertain my FIL who was "hanging around bored" when I should have been on the couch microwaving my meals and resting, not doing their dishes etc. I ended up racing to the hospital for an early c-section, and I can't help blaming them.

ANYWAY, looking back on all the time they railroaded me while my husband never stood up for me, it really was my fault. Now that I realize that, I stand up to them, and after 10 years, things are finally better because I do not allow it anymore. I'm just as belligerent and stubborn as her, and when she says something unsupportive or rude, I shoot back a similar comment. She has quit taking pot shots because I'm not easy prey. Does she like me? Probably not. Do I care? no.
In your case, this is you doing this to yourself. You said your husband isn't making you go. Don't go. There is plenty of time in the future for visits, and no one will remember you skipped a few while you were nursing.

When they are over for a visit, or you are over there, nurse, nurse, nurse. I too had to lock myself in the bathroom a million times to pump and nurse. Just do it. Take the baby out of their arms, and walk away. Ignore the comments, who cares how your MIL would feed the baby.

These are not nice people, don't knock yourself out being polite to them. They won't respect you any more for being nice than for standing up for yourself. The fact that your husband said he would understand if you don't go puts him LEAGUES ABOVE many husbands. Thank him profusely for his compassion and take him up on it. Give him a treat that will make it worth the sacrifice he made for you. This is a very good sign for the future.

As for the clogged ducts, be sure to nurse FREQUENTLY always using different positions. The football hold is great for unclogging.
Good luck toughen up! I feel for you!

First of all, your husband's family is being very intrusive and you either have to tell your husband to call off his family...or you need to do it yourself. This special time with your newborn baby is CRUCIAL for bonding with you and your baby. You should NOT be having to go anywhere with having a baby 11 days ago. I'm sorry if it sounds old fashioned but you need to rest. You should be establishing breastfeeding your baby to your breast right now...not through pumping. I'm telling you, this is a crucial time for you and your baby. Tell your husband to tell his family to back off. They are understandably excited over the new baby but they had their time with raising their children. This IS YOUR TIME with your baby. When they come over and you "can't handle it" take your baby, be assertive, you have this right, to another room and nurse your baby in peace and quiet. Please stand up for yourself...you will be so glad you did in the long run. You should NOT feel embarrassed for breastfeeding YOUR baby with others in the room. Put a little receiving blanket over your baby's head if it will help you feel more comfortable. Somebody needs to stand up for you. Ask your husband to intervene.

Plugged ducts happen with or without pumping. It happens but your baby is the BEST pump. First, get some hot cloths and apply them directly to the sore spots (lumps) on your breasts and firmly massage those areas. Yes, it might hurt but you NEED to do this. Next, get your baby onto your breast and nurse away while massaging firmly those spots. The baby should be able to unplug you. I've had plugged ducts with all 3 of my children. Yes, they are a pain, literally, but the baby should be able to get them unplugged.

Hi, V.:

First thing to do is to get you an appointment book with columns for everyone in your household: You, Your husband, and baby. 3 columns.

One column put your name and the next column your husband an the next one with your baby's name in it.

Fill in the hours necessary for you to do your things and likewise your husband and your baby.

Now, when is it convenient for you to have company or go somewhere?

Tell your family this is your schedule and you apologize for any inconvenience.

For example: There are guys working on the roads in PA all the time. They put up signs and barracades and guess what: the motorists have to cope until their work is completed and things get back to normal.

This is what the family will have to do: cope until things get back to normal.

Hope this helps.
Good luck.
D.

You poor thing! I was plagued by clogs too, and my doctors said they couldn't prescribe antibiotics for it because it wasn't officially mastitis until I had a temperature. That's horrible to hear when you have lumps like rocks in your boobs. There were nights that I couldn't sleep because of the pain, or had to prop myself and put my arms in weird positions to finally sleep. No sooner would the clogs leave one side, then they would start on the other. Sometimes both sides got clogged, and I could barely lift the baby.

I'm really hoping that this is just a rough patch for you, and that once your (rude!) inlaws let you get on a good nursing schedule, things will work out. But for me, despite being on a consistent schedule, clogging was a way of life for about 9 months. My personal theory is that I clogged because I normally have very small breasts (32B) and over-produced a ton of milk that hugely increased my size. I never leaked all that milk, just clogged.

Here's what worked for me.
1. No pressure on breasts, no baby slings/carriers, no tight shirts, no bras- not even nursing bras. I kept it loose and wore layers of tanks, t-shirts and sweaters/sweatshirts. Luckily it was winter during the worst of it!
2. No side/tummy sleeping. I only slept on my back so there was no pressure on my boobs to cause clogs overnight.
(Numbers 3 & 4 are the exact opposite of the standard advice. I'd only suggest this to moms who clog constantly and think they may be over-producing.)
3. No heat/hot showers/hot compresses, etc... except right before I nursed the baby. Heat just made me (over)produce more milk, so I didn't use heat to work out my clogs till just a few minutes before my son would nurse.
4. No extra pumping sessions. The only time I pumped was when the baby would refuse to nurse from the clogged side. Again, pumping just caused me to produce more milk and made the clog even worse.
5. Ibuprofen helped relieve some swelling, not to mention the pain. I made sure to take it so that it was in my system before the baby nursed, in the hopes that the clog would flow out easier if there was less swollen tissue blocking the way.
6. "Massage" the clog. For me this was a joke because the clogs were huge and as hard as cement! But I'd rub really hard around the outer edge of the clog, hoping to work the edges of the clog loose. Sometimes the clogs left all at once, but many times they went little by little during a couple of feedings. I tried to "massage" while the baby nursed too. This could be tears-in-the-eyes painful.
7. You can look into taking lethicin to help keep clogs at bay. Obviously, this wasn't a cure-all for me, but it helped decrease my clogs and works for many people. The breastfeeding website Kellymom has info on this. Lethicin is available at vitamin stores, and even some grocery stores. You'll find it on the label of pretty much every candy bar; they use it to keep the nougat smooth or something like that :)
8. The biggest thing for me was getting sleep and getting rid of the stress. (Impossible with a newborn, rude inlaws, and worrisome pain in your boobs- I know! It's a vicious, vicious cycle.) I am not a person that de-stresses easily, but once I would finally crash and get good sleep where I didn't wake up from every tiny noise, my clogs would come out much easier.
9. Switch the baby's feeding position. Sometimes the clog would come out one feeding after I had tried a new position. Maybe a coincidence, but it can't hurt to try!

For me the individual clogs always came out in about a day and a half, usually somewhere around 8-9 feedings when I was at my wit's end. My husband said he could see the pain leaving my face as they came out. Sometimes my breasts would be red and bruised afterwards. Many times a new clog would start on the opposite side, because it had begun producing more milk to keep up when the baby couldn't get enough milk from the formerly clogged side. Frustrating to say the least!
I will say this, for whatever reason (my guess is the 3 meals of solid foods), the problem slowed and finally stopped when my son was around 9 months. The last four months of nursing were actually almost pleasant! There were many, many times I wanted to quit, but I knew I couldn't do it till the clogs were out. Somehow I always kept going. It made me so angry that during the most difficult medical problem of my life, the doctors had nothing but hot compresses and massage to offer as advice! I was terrified that I'd never be able to wean my son because I thought I would clog constantly, but that never happened. He weaned easily at 13 months, and I was just fine. I was shocked! Very happily shocked! And in all that time, I never ended up with mastitis. With all the insane bloating and bruising my breasts went through, I have no stretch marks. They're just like they were before. It's crazy to think of it!
You, or anybody is welcome to PM me about this if you need some support. I know there were many, many nights that I was awake, sobbing, looking online for advice on how to end my clogging nightmare. You aren't alone in this, and it will get better!

i know you said you didn't want any more responses, but i just wanted to send you a hug :) enjoy your baby...nurse as much as you can on demand to get him as much nourishment as he needs (and to get those ducts back to normal shape again!). i had those with both of my boys and that was one of the most painful things ever!

if people want to come over and see the baby, great! put them to work while they're there too :) you need to recover and relax. not worry about anything but you and your family. good luck and keep posting...not everyone on here is rude and we would love an update with how you're doing :)

Lock the door turn off the phone and enjoy your baby. You need time by yourself and your baby. Why should you have to entertain anyone? Not to mention the germs and such that they could be bringing in. We all now that everyone loves new babies, but at some point you do have to put your foot down. Don't be afraid of offending anyone they will get over it! Put your feet up, rest and relax and if you need to get a pizza delivered. Why do you feel like you have to go over there? You're the one who did all the work and is still doing it. Stand up for yourself. Don't let them wear you down. Talk to your dh and let him know how you feel. Have him stand up for you. Remind your inlaws that you just had a baby and you need to recover.