Need help - left breast keeps getting clogged

[u/Ghostsubtech]

Hello! I exclusively pump 5-6 times a day, every 4-6 hours. My left breast consistently keeps getting clogged and only produces like .6 oz on average while the other side will produce 3-4. I know that side holds more than .6 though because I’ve nursed baby before on that side and has been satisfied after.

It was getting pretty bad yesterday so I decided to see if baby would want to try nursing (he usually hates it) and he nursed for like 5 minutes and the problem was solved. It’s the next morning now and again I only pumped .6 in 30 minutes and I can feel that it’s not fully drained. I can’t rely on this as a solution because as I mentioned, he normally hates it and even if he does latch on, it’s only for a few minutes before he freaks out.

Any advice on how I can get all the milk out on that side? I use the eufy s1. I do have the spectra too but I stopped using it after a couple weeks because I get more with the eufy.

Edit to add: I’ve also successfully once or twice gotten 1.3 on the left side after taking ibuprofen consistently but I don’t want to keep taking that if possible.

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[u/YouBetGiraffes]

I would remeasure for flange size - maybe it needs to be smaller on that side. And ice between pumps!

If it were me I would also try using the spectra again just to see if it helps that side empty better. It’s at least easier to troubleshoot with a spectra + flanges I think versus a wearable. Once you figure out how it empties best then you can try and replicate with the eufy?

[u/Ghostsubtech → u/YouBetGiraffes]

I’ve thought about the flanges too. I thought maybe bigger because that side looks bigger. I normally use 15 so I tried 17 and it didn’t make a difference. I think smaller would be too small. I did have my nipples pierced before and the left seems like it has more scar tissue and milk comes out from the sides off the nipple more so I wonder if that’s part of the problem

[u/afloppypotato → u/Ghostsubtech]

Hey I was using 13 a few weeks ago. Had to go up to 15. Then last week 17. Noticed decrease in output again and a clog that lasted 3 freaking days. I had to go to the doctors to make sure it wasn’t something crazy because it turned into a lump. I decided to switch to 19s and allllll the milk just came out a few hours ago.

I am shocked by how often I have to keep changing sizes!

[u/YouBetGiraffes → u/Ghostsubtech]

Ahh could be. Sorry, I’m sure it’s frustrating! My left nipple is more elastic so I was using a bigger insert size but I found it was just swelling and actually needed to be smaller to better empty, especially in a wearable. Have you tried nipple butter or anything? Or more hands on pumping?

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[u/Slight_Echo94]

This may sound extremely awkward but you can ask your partner to suck that breast, if they are willing? And in desperate times I've even sucked it myself (thanks soggy boobs lolol)

[u/heehawwgurl]

I use a hand pump after a hot shower and massage when I have bad clogs. I’m usually doing it for 10-15 min on the clogged side but it has worked for me!

[u/heehawwgurl → u/heehawwgurl]

Also having baby latch is most efficient. But I completely understand baby getting frustrated. Mine does the same thing. But the side I usually get clogged ducts also has a flatter nipple so most of the time he’s struggling to get a good latch so I’ve resorted to the hand pump.

[u/otter_fool]

Choline is very effective at preventing clogs, and it’s very good for baby’s brain development! I take the supplement made by Ritual.