This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions on purchases made through the links in this post (at no additional cost to you).
Ever wondered if you can use Epsom salts for a clogged duct? If you have a blocked milk duct, you may be desperate to relieve the blocked milk duct so it doesn't turn into something more serious.
You can use this easy haakaa and epsom salts hack if you have a haakaa bomb.
If you've ever had a blocked milk duct, you're probably wondering what the best way to relieve it is. There are some simple steps you can take to unclog your clogged milk duct.
Below are steps you can take to clear a clogged or clogged milk duct using Epsom salts, water, and a Haakaa pump.
Furthermore, below is also a method you can use if you don't have haakaa.
How is Epsom salt used for a clogged milk duct?
- start usingthis massagerfor 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes, put them away so they are not near the water and haakaa.
- Fill a Haakaa with very warm water. Make sure the water is warm but not burning your skin.
- Add a small amount of Epsom salt (see table below for amount)
- Soak the haakaa in Epsom salt and water for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat the process 2 to 3 hours later if the clog doesn't go away the first time.
- Try combining this method with this brand's sunflower lecithin if constipation doesn't go away immediately.
Supplies are needed:
- Sal de Epsom(Link of the brand I use)
- connection pump(my favorite brand)
- sunflower lecithin(here's the brand I use)
- Warm water
- heated massager(this one works best) – use coupon codeLISA10to save 10% on your purchase
Why is a thermal massage device useful for clogged ducts?
A heated massager can be very helpful when it comes to clearing clogged ducts.
A blockage occurs when fat gets trapped in the milk ducts. When this fat becomes trapped, it causes a blockage and the milk starts to back up, creating a painful bulge behind the blockage.
The heated massager can help as the heat and vibration help break up congestion.
If you think about how cold butter is, it is solid. It becomes liquid when heated. The same concept applies to milk fat. Adding heat will help break down solid milk and turn it into a liquid so it can flow.
I also used this massager when I didn't have clogged ducts. It helped me get more lows and saved me 5-10 minutes every time I pumped.
Pro tip:If you think you might want to get thoseheated massagerÖthe normal massager, I could get a discount for you if you order directly from the company.Just click this link and use the coupon codeLISA10to get 10% off!
Does Epsom salt help with clogged milk ducts?
Yes, Epsom salt can help a blocked milk duct. This works when Epsom salts and warm water are combined to clear clogged milk ducts.
A blocked duct can cause pain and swelling at the site of the blockage. Epsom salt baths can be used to reduce pain and swelling.
Soaking in this mixture can reduce pain and swelling, making it easier to remove the blockage.
How are Haakaa, Epsom salt baths and sunflower lecithin helpful?
A Haakaa pump ensures smooth, constant suction. This can help loosen and remove the blockage. It also provides a convenient way to apply Epsom salt and water to the affected area.
If you're trying to unclog a clogged duct, in addition to the Epsom salts and haakaa trick, there are a few other things you can do to unclog it. One is to use sunflower lecithin and another is to increase pumping (or lactation) frequency.
Sunflower lecithin is a dietary supplement that I used to clear clogged milk ducts. I would take up to 4 a day if I had a blockage.
I was usually able to eliminate constipation within hours by combining the sunflower lecithin with the pumps as much as possible.
There are a few different brands of sunflower lecithin.here is a linkwhat worked best for me.
When I desperately wanted to clear a blockage,pump every houror every two hours to clear the blockage.
Haakaa size, amount of water and amount of Epsom salt required
Depending on how much liquid your Haakaa pump holds, you may need different amounts of water and Epsom salts.
This is because your pump needs to be full enough for your skin to be immersed in the Epsom salt bath. However, you need to make sure you don't overcrowd it and get it dirty when placing the Haakaa pump.
| haaka size | agua | Sal de Epsom |
| 4 ounces / 100ml | ¼ Taxes | 1 tablespoon |
| 5 ounces / 150 ml | ¼ Taxes | 1 tablespoon |
| 8 ounces / 200ml | ½ tax | 2 tablespoons |
What if you don't have haakaa?
This method of using Epsom salts without haakaa can be a bit awkward. You can try it in a pinch if you don't have a Haakaa handy and can't pick it up quickly.
One thing you can try islook at this linkto see if your local destination has one in stock.
I was able to buy it online at Target and have it out within a few hours for pickup. It was very convenient because I didn't even have to get out of the car.
How to Use Epsom Salts for a Clogged Milk Duct Without Haakaa
The first step is to fill a small container with warm or hot water. It should be as hot as possible without burning the skin.
Then add ¼ cup of Epsom salt for every 2 cups of water in the container. Shake it so that the Epsom salts dissolve in the warm water.
Place a towel on the bathroom floor, then place the container on top of the towel to catch any spills. Lie on your stomach and soak the affected side in the Epsom salt bath.
Soak for 15 to 20 minutes and rinse the area with clean water to remove the Epsom salts.
If soaking does not clear the clog, try pumping for another 20 minutes to clear the clog.
Can you use Haakaa and Epsom salts if you have mastitis?
If a blocked milk duct is not cleared in time, you may develop mastitis, an infection that causes a fever.
Mastitis is a serious problem and can progress quickly. If you think you have mastitis, call your doctor right away.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection or to determine if further treatment is needed.
To clear the blockage that is causing the mastitis, one option you can try is using Haakaa and Epsom salts to remove the blockage.
Your doctor may also recommend that you pump and breastfeed as much as possible to relieve a blocked milk duct.
Basic pumping equipment
Listen to some of my favorite pumping articles that have made my life so much easier.
- this is thatBest pump bra that's really comfortableto wear all day (the Sublime version).Use this link and code Lisa15 for a special discountwith your purchase!
- try thoseChocolate fudge flavor of this delicious milk-boosting protein powder.
- cliquehere for the best deal in WillowGoBomba!
- these are theThe Best Baby Bottle Labels That Won't Peel or Wear🇧🇷 The pineapple theme and the whale theme are two of my favorites.
- Mifavorite bomb sackThat's roomy enough for my pump, laptop, cooler, and packed lunch. They have so many cute colors and patterns, but I love the floral one.
- That isbaby bodysuits I found on EtsyThey are so cute that I ended up buying them in two different colors. The store even has a candymom and me matching game.
- used to bethis little mini fridge(Link to Amazon) near my pumping station at home so I don't have to run to the kitchen in the middle of the night after a pumping session.
- This postpartum care boxIt contains some of my must-haves for the first few months after baby is born. Hoses that help with congestion bring a lot of relief.
- If you liked this article, you can support it.Blog buy me a coffee here🇧🇷 Your support is greatly appreciated!
More tips on pumping and breastfeeding
Don't forget to save this to Pinterest so you can find it later!
be sure to followPumpingMamas no PinterestSo you don't miss out on any great pumping or breastfeeding tips!
Then check out these tips:
- 20+ Ways to Repair and Prevent a Blocked Milk Duct
- pumping hours per month(From newborn to one year old)
- 3 New Mom Hacks That Saved Me Over $900(You won't want to miss this!)
references
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6092150/
https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-challenges/common-breastfeeding-challenges
FAQs
How often to use Epsom salt with Haakaa? ›
Add 1-2 tablespoons of plain Epsom salts, like these. Attach your Haakaa to the affected breast for between 10-15 minutes. The combination of the Epsom salts, heat and suction will work to gently remove the clog. Repeat if needed every few hours for stubborn clogs.
How do you clear a clogged duct with Epsom salt? ›Soaking breasts in warm Epsom salt baths for about 10 to 20 minutes can help draw clog out of your milk ducts. Doing so can also help alleviate your pain and swelling. All you have to do is mix 2-3 cups of water with 1/2 cup Epsom salt. Then, soak a clean towel in the mixture and gently place it over the affected area.
Does Epsom salt help clogged breast 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.
What do I do if my clogged milk duct won't unclog? ›If you can't clear the blockage within 24 hours or you start to feel unwell (as if you're coming down with the flu), see your GP – you might have mastitis.
Can you use Haakaa with Epsom salt for clogged duct? ›Add one or two tablespoons of Epsom Salts. Attach your Haakaa to the blocked breast and allow the combination of heat, the salts and suction to help remove the clog. Keep the pump attached for between 10-15 minutes. You may need to repeat several times for large and/or stubborn clogs.
Do I need to boil my Haakaa after every use? ›Clean after each use. We strongly recommend cleaning and sterilizing your Haakaa Breast Pump with any steam sterilizing system or by boiling in water for 2-3 minutes. Do not use any bleach-based agents or sterilizing tablets to clean this product.
How often should you fertilize with Epsom salt? ›Adding Epsom salt is a simple way to increase the health of their blooms, and is something that you can include easily as a part of a normal routine. For potted plants, simply dissolve two tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water, and substitute this solution for normal watering once a month.
How many times a week should I use Epsom salt? ›How often should you take Epsom salt baths? If you are experiencing physical pain or emotional stress on a daily basis, soaking every night could be helpful, say our experts. Otherwise, Smith suggests taking these salt-infused baths three to five days a week.
Do I need to wash my Haakaa after every use? ›Wash before and after each use. Although dishwasher safe, we strongly recommend sterilizing using a steam sterilizer or by boiling in water for 2-3 minutes. Do not use any bleach-based cleaners or tablets to clean or sterilize this product.
How many times a day should I use my Haakaa? ›Choose a 1-2 times a day to get your Haakaa on. Many mamas choose times early in the day as your milk supply is often better in the morning.