What kind of Epsom salt for clogged milk ducts

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Have you wondered if you can use epsom salt for a clogged duct? If you have a clogged milk duct, you may feel desperate to get relief from the blocked duct so it does not develop into something more serious.

You can use this simple epsom salt and haakaa trick if you have a haakaa pump.

If you have ever had a clogged milk duct, you are probably wondering what is the best way to relieve it. There are a few easy steps you can take to relieve your clogged milk duct.

Below are the steps you can use to clear a clogged or blocked milk duct with epsom salt, water, and a haakaa pump. 

Plus, there is also a method below that you can use if you do not have a haakaa.

1. Start by using this massager for 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes are up, put them away so they are not near the water and haakaa.
2. Fill a haakaa with very warm water. Be sure the water is warm but will not burn your skin.
3. Add a small amount of epsom salt (see chart below for amount)
4. Let soak in the haakaa with epsom salt and water for 15 or 20 minutes
5. Repeat the process 2 to 3 hours later if the clog is not drawn out the first time.
6. Try combining this method with this brand of sunflower lecithin if the clog is not relieved immediately.

Supplies Needed:

• Epsom Salt (link to the brand I use)
• Haakaa Pump (my favorite brand)
• Sunflower Lecithin (here is the brand I use)
• Warm water
• Heated Massager (this one works the best) – use coupon code LISA10 to save 10% off your purchase

Why Is A Heated Massager Useful For Clogged Ducts?

A heated massager can be really useful when trying to clear clogged ducts. 

A clog is formed by fat getting stuck in milk ducts. When this fat is stuck, it creates a clog and milk starts to back up which creates a painful lump behind the clog. 

The heated massager can help because the heat and vibration helps to break up the clog. 

If you think about how when butter is cold, it is solid. When it is warmed up, it turns into a liquid. The same concept applies to the fat in your milk. Adding heat will help to break up the solid milk and turn it into a liquid so it can flow. 

I also used this massager when I did not have clogged ducts. It helped me to have more letdowns, and it saved me 5 or 10 minutes every time that I pumped.

Pro Tip: If you think you might want to get the heated massager or the regular massager, I was able to get a discount for you when you order directly with the company. Just click this link and use coupon code LISA10 to get 10% off!

Does Epsom Salt Help Clogged Milk Ducts?

Yes, epsom salt can help a clogged milk duct. This works when epsom salt and warm water are combined to help draw the clog out of the milk ducts. 

A clogged duct can cause pain and swelling at the site of the clog. Epsom salt baths can be used to reduce pain and swelling.

By soaking in this mixture, the pain and swelling can be reduced which will allow the clog to be pulled out more easily.

How are a Haakaa, Epsom Salt Baths, and Sunflower Lecithin Useful? 

A haakaa pump will add a gentle, constant suction. This can help to release the clog and draw it out. It also provides a convenient way to apply the epsom salt and water to the affected area.

If you are trying to relieve a clogged duct, there are a few other things you can do besides the epsom salt and haakaa trick to relieve the blockage. One is to use sunflower lecithin, and another is to increase the frequency of pumping (or nursing).

Sunflower lecithin is a supplement that I used to help clear clogged milk ducts. I would take up to 4 per day whenever I had a clog. 

I was usually able to remove the clog within a few hours when I combined sunflower lecithin with pumping as much as possible. 

There’s a few different brands of sunflower lecithin. Here is a link to the one that worked the best for me.

When I was desperate to relieve a clog, I would pump every hour or every two hours to help get the clog moving.

Haakaa Size, Water Amount, and Epsom Salt Amount Needed

Depending on the amount of liquid that your haakaa pump will hold, you may need different amounts of water and epsom salts. 

This is because your pump needs to be full enough so that your skin is submerged in the epsom salt bath. However, you want to make sure you do not overfill it and make a mess when you are putting on the haakaa pump.

What If You Don’t Have A Haakaa?

This method to use epsom salt without a haakaa can be a little bit awkward. You can try it in a pinch if you do not have a haakaa on hand and you can’t pick one up quickly.

One thing you can try is to check this link to see if your local Target has one in stock. 

I’ve been able to purchase it online at Target and then pick it up with order pickup in a few hours. It was so convenient because I didn’t even need to get out of the car.

How To Use Epsom Salt For a Clogged Milk Duct Without A Haakaa

The first step is to fill a small bowl with warm or hot water. It should be as warm as you can stand without burning your skin.

Next, add ¼ cup of epsom salt for every 2 cups of water in the bowl.  Swirl it around so the epsom salt dissolves in the warm water.

Put a towel down on the floor of your bathroom, then set the bowl on top of the towel to catch any spills. Lay face down and submerge the affected side into the epsom salt bath.

Soak for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse off the area with clean water to remove the epsom salts. 

If the clog is not pulled out from the soak, then try pumping for another 20 minutes to relieve the clog. 

Can You Use a Haakaa And Epsom Salt If You Have Mastitis?

If a clogged duct is not relieved in a timely manner, you can develop mastitis, which is an infection that causes a fever. 

Mastitis is a serious problem and can progress quickly. If you think you have mastitis, call your healthcare provider right away. 

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection or determine if other treatment is necessary.

In order to relieve the clog that is causing mastitis, one option you may want to try is using a haakaa and epsom salt to draw the clog out. 

Your doctor may also recommend pumping and nursing as much as possible to relieve the clogged milk duct.

Must-Have Pumping Gear

Hear are a few of my favorite pumping items that made my life so much easier.

• This is the best pumping bra that is actually comfortable to wear all day long (the Sublime version). Use code LISA20 to save 20% off your purchase!
• Try the Chocolate Fudge flavor of this yummy milk-boosting protein powder.
• Click here for the best deal on the WillowGo pump! Use code willowgo-PM (pumping mamas) to save for a limited time!
• These are the best baby bottle labels that will not wash off or wear off. The pineapple design and the whale design are two of my favorites.
• My favorite pumping bag that is roomy enough for my pump, a laptop, a cooler, and a lunch bag. They have so many cute colors and prints but I really love the Floral print. Use code LISA15 to save 15% for a limited time.
• These custom baby name onesies I found on Etsy are so adorable I ended up buying them in two different colors. The shop even has a really cute matching mommy and me set.
• I used this tiny mini fridge (link to Amazon) near my pumping station at home so I didn’t have to trek to the kitchen after a middle of the night pumping session.
• This postpartum care box has a couple of my must-have items for the first few months after baby arrives. The tubes that help with engorgement provide so much relief.
• If you enjoyed this article, you can help support this blog by buying me a coffee here. Your support is very much appreciated!

More Pumping And Breastfeeding Tips

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Be sure to follow PumpingMamas on Pinterest so you don’t miss any great pumping or breastfeeding tips!

Next, Check These Tips Out:

1. 20+ Ways To Fix And Prevent A Clogged Milk Duct
2. Pumping Schedules By Month (From Newborn to One Year Old)
3. 3 New Mom Hacks That Saved Me Over $900 (You won’t want to miss out on these!)

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6092150/

https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/common-breastfeeding-challenges