Treatments for Problems

Lecithin

Lecithin is a food supplement that seems to help some mothers prevent blocked ducts. It may do this by decreasing the viscosity (stickiness) of the milk, by increasing the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk. It is safe, inexpensive, and seems to work in some cases. The dose is 1200 mg four times a day. There is more to preventing blocked ducts than taking lecithin.

For information on "all purpose nipple ointment", gentian violet, grapefruit seed extract, vitamin B6, nifedipine, and nitroglycerin paste, and fluconazole, see the handout Treatments for Sore nipples and sore breasts, or the handouts Gentian violet and Fluconazole (Diflucan).

This handout may be copied and distributed without further permission, on the condition that it is not used in any context in which the WHO code on the marketing of breastmilk substitutes is violated.