Mastitis and Blocked Ducts

[moongazer]

I have a baby with colic. I understand that the cause is fast let down, I produce a lot of fore milk. So during the feed she gulps air, and the latch has to be constantly re done. She is very hungry and eats really fast as well. Yet again I have a red inflamed area next to my nipple It is always in the same place and I have had one dose of Mastitis on the first week. It seems that my tubes in the breast are small in one area, and it keeps getting blocked. I have tried all the advice but it keeps happening. Is it time to give up the breast feeding at week eight? I don't want to but another course of antibiotics will make her a bit ill again. My breast have not stopped hurting since day one, people say it will get better but it comes and goes. I wash my nipples well and check all the time but it does not work :( My bra is not to tight but the sore spot is right were the bra cup sits. Last night the sore lump I had week one was replaced by a hard line to the nipple. After feeding this morning the area is red but not hard! I would be most grateful for any advice :)

[Celia1978]

Since you have been having this problem for a while I'm sure you know all the advice about hot compresses, massage etc. (If not Kellymom has a good round-up here:
kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/mastitis/)

One other thing which I have heard recommended for repeated blockages is soya lecithin supplements. They're fine to take when breast feeding.

Sure someone with better advice will be along soon. Good luck!

[SneakyBiscuitEater]

Throw that bra away. I had repeated mastitis which I only figured out after five or so occurances was down to the same bastard bra. I was looking at my baby, the latch, diet changes, growth spurts and it was one sodding bra. In the mean time to recover quick here are my top tips.

Good luck!

Go bra less for at least 24 hours. Feed like mad from that side (I offered the lumpy boob first for every feed for a bit just to flush it out as often as I could. feed in whatever awkward position you need to to make sure the baby's chin is pointing to the lump. comb all over boob towards nipple quite firmly with a wide toothed comb or a bobbly hairbrush (I.e. Not a bristle brush)

[moongazer]

Well this afternoon the blockage has spread from the middle left of my boob, right across the top to the middle right. Doctors for me tomorrow. In the mean time ibuprofen and paracetamol. Baby is feeding on the blocked boob and after I expressed with a pump, not much milk coming out. Frozen peas and warm compress are not shifting it. I will keep trying tonight! Only three feeds till I can call the doctor.