So last week for the first time in my lactation journey I experienced a clogged duct. First on my left side, then on my right side. Going into inducing, I didn’t even really know what it was or why it happens, I only knew about mastitis. Clogs are a lesser problem but still painful. It feels like there’s an inflamed knot in the breast. Both times it resolved 12-24 hours with pumping and massage (all painful). Suckling was painful too but my partner was great and gave me a massage and hot/cold compress.

It also meant a dip in my production from 8 ounces to 6. Now it’s slowly climbing back up but it definitely was a little sad to see less output.

I know what caused it… my schedule because way more loaded last week and instead of the usual pumping every 2-4 hours, I could only pump every 5 or so and the mid-day pump had to be shorter than usual. I also learned the breasts have to be emptied completely or risk a clog. I do take sunflower lecithin and I missed a day last week too.

So, anyone here ever had a clog? Or mastitis 😬?