Go read the Disclaimer again. I am not a doctor. This is not medical advice. Seriously.
While it is important to find any underlying causes of plugged ducts and mastitis, several experts recommend lecithin supplements for breastfeeding women who suffer (and I do mean suffer) from persistent or recurring bouts of plugged ducts or mastitis. After my second bout with mastitis, my husband bought me a bottle of Lecithin capsules and they seem to be working, although it is not easy to tell for sure; perhaps I just addressed all the contributing causes.
Lecithin is an emulsifier. It is found in the yolks of eggs, and can be made from soy. Chocolate bars often have quite a lot of lecithin, to keep the oils from separating. Lecithin is what makes mayonnaise work. Unfortunately, all of these sources are tremendously high in calories, or otherwise problematic. I'm still looking for a good dietary way to supplement lecithin.
The general idea behind supplementing lecithin is to help keep the milk from sticking in the reservoirs and ducts of the breast.
Lecithin is also available in granules or powder, and in liquid form. Both forms can be included in recipes.
General Discussion of Supplementation
Copyright 2006 by Rebecca Allen.
Created January 24, 2006 Updated January 29, 2006