Blocked Milk duct?

[lilygogan]

MY baby is 4 and a half weeks old and i have been breast feeding without any majour issues until now. I think its a plugged milk duct. My boob has a hard bit in it quite close to the top that is very sore to touch and hot, but i dont seem to be having a problem with milk flow? has anyone had anything similar? im in a lot of pain!

[sophiechristophy]

hi lilygogan - it may well be a blocked duct, sounds like it. You can help to relieve it by massaging from just above the hard area down towards the the end of the nipple, expressing milk at the same time if possible. this can help the duct to unblock, and if you do it in the shower under hot water, you might find it more effective. There are quite a few threads on the forum about tips for things you can do to help with blocked ducts/mastitis, if you search mastitis you will probably find them. You might want to take some paracetamol to help with the pain. The most important thing I would say is to act quickly on the situation, because the longer it goes on the greater the risk of developing mastitis will be. xxx

[lilygogan]

thank you ill give that a go x

[hanstands]

Hello. Poor you. This is not at all pleasant. As its an inflammation Ibuprofen can help reduce it. I agree with what SC said, but I found expressing in a hot bath better as you could keep affected area under the hot water for a long time thus softening the blockage and you get a chance to relax at the same time. I used to bath and massage/express a few times a day for a couple of days and allow baby to feed lots from affected side after bath, his usually sorted it. Sometimes you can get this when stressed or run down too. Hope it gets better soon.

[sophiechristophy]

hanstands - bath, brilliant idea! didn't even think of that as we only have a shower sadly :) x Lilygogan - if you start feeling worse or fever symptoms, you can call Seldoc on 02086939066 for an out of hours appointment.xx

[lilygogan]

Thanks guys! x

[Gubodge]

As well as massaging the lump towards the nipple with your fingers, try using a comb to stroke down the breast towards the nipple. Also, a baby's strongest suck is by it's lower jaw, so try to feed with his/her chin pinting towards the lump. It can make for some interesting feeding positions (I remember having to crouch on all fours over my daughter once) but can really make a difference.