Regardless of whether you are a breastfeeding mom/an exclusively pumping mom, mom feeding formula. Either way, give yourself a big pat, you’re doing great! You sacrifice your own body, time and to bring a new life to world!
I’m a mom of two, with my elder one being 3 yr+, and the younger one being 5mths plus, i have had experienced all of the above. I’m sure at one point time, you would have googled, or read in the books, forums, facebook about the benefits of breastfeeding.
I struggled with breastfeeding (not that its a breeze with now) with the first child primarily due to the following;
- Lack of Experience
- Lack of Patience
Anyway, i will talk about that another day. Today, its about Clogged (the dreadful) ducts that all breastfeeding moms absolutely hate. If you are a breastfeeding mom/exclusively pumping mom and you have not experienced a clogged duct before, hallelujah. You’re one lucky girl or you are really good!
Out of all the moms i spoke to, ALL of them (mostly) have had a clogged duct and definitely whatsapp, googled, facebook, forum-read about “HOW TO CLEAR THE CLOGGED DUCT”
You will probably read about the following terms;
- Massage it (Learn it, its a life saviour for there are days that you forget the pump or you are rushing and you dont have a proper 15-20 mins to pump)
- Hot Compress
- Cold Compress
- Cabbage Cold wrap
- Use Baby to latch to clear it
- Massage, Repeat
- Stay Calm and not be stressed (Easier said than done though…)
So, does it really work? I would say to each of its own, and you have to know your own breasts well enough to know the severity of the clogged. Will you get better at managing it? I certainly hope i am.
Anyway, back to my real life clogged duct experience, i basically did almost all of the above whereby i tried to massage, pump (usually it works for me, or rather it did the last time round) but this time round, after two days, that dreadful wedge like clogged is still there.
I wanted to consult my usual lactation consultant – Sister Kang. If you have been googling around, reading up in various places, i’m sure you have seen her name somewhere. But if you dont, call up Mt Alvernia Parentcraft. If you are planning to deliver in Mt Alvernia, please get the Mt Alvernia ladies card, bring it along, you get some discount. Anyway, i decided to try Hot Compress first.
I will talk about it another day since i’m dozing off as i’m typing this. ALWAYS, seek for help early if you are uncertain. There are no silly questions or level of severity before you start asking for any help.
[To be continued]
NANA and the boys 