I second the suggestion of a warm breast bath for this mom.  I have had
great success with several clients using this method, but I would add salt
to the water.  Either epsom salts or sea salt... table salt if that is all
mom has in her home.  I tend to use water that is HOT, not just warm...
similar temp to what mother would normally bathe in.  I use about 1/4 to 1/2
a cup of salt (less of epsom, more of sea or table) for each gallon of
water.  Have mom immerse either both or just one breast in the bath,
whichever is easier.  While soaking, perform breast massage like you would
do for a hand expression.  If you find any hard nodules or fibuous areas
that feel like plugged ducts, apply direct pressure with the tip of your
middle finger to that spot, being sure to angle the pressure down towards
the nipple.  I have the most success with this when I apply a counter
pressure underneath the breast.  I suggest that mom do this ONCE PER DAY
until relief is found.
  
Have baby breastfeed immediately afterwards.  In general, I think we are
'supposed' to rinse off the salt before having baby latch, but I have yet to
remember to do this and none of the babies have refused the salty tasting
nipple.  Breast massage can continue, if it seems appropriate, during the
breastfeeding session.
 
Also, don't forget to talk to mom about her breastfeeding patterns.  One
client I talked to who had this problem (no such obvious 'dental floss', but
chronic plugged ducts and evidence of milk strings) was actually really
messing with her supply by constantly changing her breastfeeding pattern.
One day, she'd feed from both breasts at each feed, the next only one
breast, the next she'd pump and breastfeed, the next she'd miss a few feeds,
and so on and so on.  This was not entirely her fault, as she was getting
conflicting information from other health care providers.  Along with
dietary considerations, breastfeeding pattern is a very important aspect of
chronic plugged ducts.
 
Good luck!
~kg


Karyn-grace Clarke, IBCLC, RLC
Registered Lactation Consultant
HAPPY TRIBE CONSULTING
 <http://www.happytribe.ca/> www.happytribe.ca 
Nanaimo, BC, 250-739-3146

 

 

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