Hi Linda,
        If the mother can locate the area of the plug easily by feel she can
cut a couple of cabbage leaves to the size of the area affected and either
crush them slightly with a rolling pin or microwave until warm, not overly
hot, to release the gases. Place the cabbage on the affected area, inside
the bra to hold it in place, for an hour or two, then with warm water (a
shower massage on pulse is great for this) massage the area, and massage
while feeding as well. Repeat as necessary up to four  times per day --
cabbage has an astringent effect and will draw the plug out, it also can
reduce milk supply if over used. Which is why I suggest making a piece the
size of the plugged area, not a whole leaf over the whole breast...
        Depending on the location of the duct, some mothers have found that
stubborn area drains when they feed with the baby on its back and mother
leaning over the baby "hanging it into the baby's mouth from above" -- not
the most comfortable for all involved, but it has worked. Just watch out for
mom's back getting tense, dad could support/massage her.
        Have we ruled out previously suggested contributing factors putting
pressure on that area? bras straps, sleeping on side so arm pinches breast,
clothing, seatbelts, baby carriers, exercise patterns, etc?

Hope it helps!

anne
Anne E. Robb, MAT, LLL

mailto:[log in to unmask]
Off on a Tangent in Oregon

<< disclaimer>> views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect
LLL policy or practice