Talk

Flip

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Infant feeding

Blocked ducts distress

7 replies

1charlie1 · 16/12/2014 23:14

Hi all. I've been breastfeeding DS for 7.5 months with reasonable ease, but for the last 2 months or so have been plagued by continual blocked ducts in my right breast. The problem is getting worse and I'm starting to despair that it might be the end of bf as I'm so exhausted and stressed by continually having to unblock my breast. I occasionally get small plugs in my left breast, but they are nothing like the whoppers in my right. DS's latch is pretty good, checked by a lactation consultant, but my right breast has been problematic from the get go. (DH calls it my 'dodgy boob'). I've tried lecithin supplements etc but they don't seem to help.
I had an idea it might be exacerbated by carrying DS in his Ergo? Because my breast is sore at the moment, I was conscious yesterday that he was pressing against it all the time in the carrier. Has anyone else had this? I love carrying DS, but would much rather continue to breastfeed if a choice were to be made.
Thank you for any advice.

OP posts:

Report

RedKites · 16/12/2014 23:26

Kellymom have a list of possible risk factors for recurrent blocked ducts here . It could be the carrier, although if you enjoy carrying DS, you could perhaps try adjusting the carrier or trying a different one rather than stopping carrying altogether?

Report

1charlie1 · 17/12/2014 06:36

Thanks for the info RedKites, it does mention that front facing carriers can be problematic for some women. Time to put him on my back! If that doesn't work, inspired by another thread on here, I might seek advice about letting the supply drop in that breast and feeding on my good side.

OP posts:

Report

Messygirl · 17/12/2014 07:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

1charlie1 · 17/12/2014 08:11

Madrigals, I would love mine to suddenly stop! Fingers crossed...
I am trying to be vigilant with diet, and drinking plenty of fluid. I've been able to resolve all blockages myself so far but massaging and hot padding etc at 3 am is just so tiring though! Especially when DS is sound asleep and I have to wake him to help clear them.
I'm seeing a physio on Friday who specializes in breast ultrasound etc so hopefully will get some insight too.
And no more front carrying!

OP posts:

Report

Messygirl · 17/12/2014 19:54

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Littlef00t · 17/12/2014 22:15

I figured out my dodgy boob was partly the way I slept on my side. A pillow did help.

Report

1charlie1 · 18/12/2014 00:10

That's interesting Littlef00t, as I'm wracking my brain trying to think what has changed in the last weeks, and one thing is that I was co sleeping all night with DS, lying on my other side with the dodgy boob 'in the air'. DS has recently gone into his cot and I'm now on my back. I wonder if having my boob elevated helped it in some way? Mysterious! Another thing to try...