Calling all breastfeeding pros!!

[Heather]

I have been very fortunate to have had virtually no breastfeeding issues other than some sore nipples in the beginning, but I guess my luck has run out. I think I have a clogged duct or something. It's really sore but on the underside of my breast at the bottom, and I can feel these big lumpy things, but like a huge mass of them. I hope I'm explaining this okay. I was reading about it and it said that sometimes you can see the clogged duct on the nipple and you can sterilize a needle and poke it to drain it out. Good idea or no? It is very sore to the touch. Also had a low grade fever yesterday when I went to the doc, but we've all been sick (hence the doc visit) so I figured it was just from the cold. Any advice or insight would be appreciated. I'm going to put a warm compress on it here shortly, and I also know to try to positio baby's chin towards the duct. Thanks girlies!

[Elaine]

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch! :bluehug:

If it isn't relieved when you nurse her pump and work the area where you feel the lumps with your hands.

Keep an eye on your fever too. If you do have mastitis you want to get it treated as soon as possible.

[Ashley]

Ouch! I would start with warm compress and massage before I would risk sticking a needle in there. I had some hard spots a couple different time, but shower and massage helped, and the warm rag and deep hard massage on the boob- it hurt, but it worked! I'm sure there's other advice too, but that's all I've got :hehe:

Good luck I hope it clears up soon! :support:

Oh ETA I didn't see you had a fever- definitely watch that too! :support:

[natalie]

I have battled clogs for the last 21 months. I agree with all of the above. Warm compresses and massaging the clog while pumping/nursing are the best ways to clear it out. Hope it clears soon!

[Heather]

Thanks girlies! Before I read the last two responses I went ahead and tried the needle. (Oops!). I sterilized it and then just kindof scraped it on what I thought was the clogged duct. I got it and there has been liquid coming out ever since. So I'm hoping that was it and that the next time I nurse her on it it will clear it up.

[AddiesMomma]

I had that happen a couple of times (fever and all) and the only thing that helped me was to put a heating pad on it and pump (even thought it hurt!) and it was cleared up by the end of the day.

[Heather]

Well she just ate off of that side and it already feels better! It's still leaking so it must still be clogged some, but waaaaay better than it was.

[Sign Of The Fish Burger]

I'd express some BM and put it on the leak (I know sounds wierd, but the antibodies from your milk will help prevent an infection).

You got good advice. Another thing you can do is nurse her Mama Moo cow style. Basically have her lay on the bed and you straddle her like a cow and let your boobs dangle over her face while she latches and nurses. Still position her chin toward the clogs but gravity will help!

Also be massaging the area toward the nipple to help relieve the clogs.

Clogs in that area *can* be caused by wearing an under wire bra. Have you been wearing one? Sometimes the wire can be too tight on the skin and cause blocks (yup, your milk ducts go all the way down there too!). You might want to try wearing a wire free bra for awhile to see if that helps.

[Heather]

But the leak IS breastmilk, so isn't it kindof already doing that to itself? :hehe: And I did know that about the underwire but have been wearing one anyway. I'll bet that's what did it! Thanks!

[Sign Of The Fish Burger]

But the leak IS breastmilk, so isn't it kindof already doing that to itself? :hehe: And I did know that about the underwire but have been wearing one anyway. I'll bet that's what did it! Thanks!

Ah ok. Sometimes there can be a pocket of blood (which is what I was assuming it was) which is why I suggested the BM. You can also sometimes see long strings of stuff (not sure how else to describe it). Mucousy type stuff. If you do see blood or that stringy kind of stuff, don't worry about it, it can be normal...

[Jojo]

Looks like you got some good advice! Hope you feel better:hugs: