Persistent blockage on one side while bf

[NeatFreak]

Dd is 4 months and before. I got mastitis for the first time a few weeks ago and it cleared eventually with antibiotics. Since then the same spot has got blocked about once a week for a couple of days then suddenly clears. Dd is dc3 and I fed the other two for over a year with no problems at all so I can't work out what's going on. It's exactly the same spot every time.

I've been feeding dd on that side all day, tried massage, hot shower, combing etc to no avail and the area is still increasing in size. I can't express

Are there any reasons why the same spot would persistently get blocked? I thought the original time was because dd had a cold but that's gone now!

Also (tmi warning) when it does finally clear dd is usually sick a short while later and it's normally really thick, curdled dark milk- will this cause a problem?

Any tips would be appreciated as I don't want to stop bfing and haven't even tried formula before.

[bundaberg]

might be worth feeding in a different position on that side for a while? it helps if you can point baby's chin towards the blockage (which can make for interesting positioning!)

the only time i got a blockage was when i was feeding ds3 and it was my positioning when lying down for night feeds that I think caused it.

so i guess be vigilant about ensuring you use both sides equally and that there is no pressure from anything on the problem side that might be causing it.

[NeatFreak]

Thanks, I've been experimenting with positions on that side but it hasn't made much difference yet. The only thing I can think of is that we co sleep and dd normally lies on my other side so it's easier to feed from that side too. I do try to swap around but maybe not enough through the night.

[bundaberg]

yes that's exactly the problem I had!

[NeatFreak]

Thanks

Am still trying to unblock it and dd is literally full of milk but there is still a sore hard patch.

Is it ok for her to drink the bunged up stuff that's been there for what seems like weeks? It just looks so horrid when it comes out

[RedKites]

Kellymom says "Expressed milk may look lumpy, clumpy, “gelatin-like” or stringy. This milk is fine for baby, but some moms prefer to strain the “lumps” out." . I can't see how expressed milk would be ok but direct from source would not!
There is also a page on Kellymom about recurrent blocked ducts/mastitis which might be worth a look to see if any of the suggestions sound relevant to you? I hope it resolves soon.

[NeatFreak]

Thanks, it was definitely clumpy and lumpy! Could cope with that if it would only come out this time though. I've sailed through bfing two babies/ toddlers and this one has thrown me

[RockabillyKitty]

Could be infection in breast. I've just had recurring blocked duct and that's what it was - noticed a white spot on nipple. Doc had to give me two lots of antibiotics to get rid

[NeatFreak]

Thanks. I can't see a white spot and have had one course of antibiotics.
It's just randomly cleared itself- had a hot shower last night and was sore overnight but is ok now!