Dear Lactnetters,
Following is an alternative to some of the more aggressive treatments of
plugged ducts. When a duct is visibly plugged at the nipple, I've had
VERY good luck with gentle friction with a cotton diaper. While putting
firm pressure on the engorged area of the breast (which usually puts
pressure on the blockage and enlarges the "blister" on the nipple at the
end of the duct) and manually expressing milk, GENTLY rubbing a cotton
diaper over the nipple (especially on the blister) usually works within
a few minutes. The result is freely flowing milk until the breast is
soft and comfortable again. I don't think that any nipple damage will
result if this is done gently.
Thanks,
Margy Porter, WIC Peer Counselor, Breastfeeding  and Childbirth Educator