Blocked ducts on underside of boob

[Tumtitum]

I'm pretty sure that I've given myself blocked ducts but dropping some feeds for bottles and wearing underwired bras on occasion. The whole underside of one boob, where it would meet the underwire of the bra, feels bruised and tender to touch. I can't feel any actual lumps but general area feels more "solid" and when I was in the shower this morning I applied heat and massaged the area and definitely got some backed up milk out. It's still very tender tho. I'm trying to massage the tender bits when feeding but it's hard because of where it is. DD doesn't feed well in any position but cradle hold. Is there anything else I can do?? I've had mastitis once and don't want it again :(

[TragicallyUnbeyachted]

Repeated showers -- hot shower with massage, feed DD, another hot shower with massage, feed DD again, repeat... Don't rely on one shower a day to shift it.

And if you can persuade her to do it at all, dangle feeding (DD on bed, you lean over her on all fours, ideally lining the blocked area up with her chin, and sort of dangle your nipple into her mouth. It looks ridiculous and isn't the most efficient form of feeding ever but if she'll cooperate for a few minutes it can help to get things moving.

[bomfunk]

Run a bath, have a soak and aim the warm shower head on the blocked area. Do lots of massage, concentrating on moving towards the nipple. Then get the baby in the bath with you and feed feed feed! Try to get baby to feed in different positions too.

[bomfunk]

Oooo forgot to say, try using a wide toothed comb and firmly 'comb' from the out boon towards your nipple. It's really effective! The area will still feel tender for a bit after the blockage has cleared too, so it may be you've already nailed it.

[Tumtitum]

Thanks guys :) unfortunately I'm staying with in laws who don't have a bath I'd love one!! I'll have another shower. I was thinking about giving dangle feeding a go too, I'll try that tomorrow! Thanks :)

[bomfunk]

Shower is fine! Get it aimed right on the area and a good massage. Cold compress between feeds is good for the pain too (raid the inlaws freezer for peas ). Good luck!

[TragicallyUnbeyachted]

How are you / is it feeling now?

[OlennasWimple]

How are you at expressing with a pump? You might find it easier to massage the sore bit without having to handle a baby at the same time?

[Tumtitum]

All good now thanks :) in away without my pump but had two showers a day for a few days and lots of massaging the lumps and hand expressing and it seems to have done the trick :) thanks for checking in and for all the advice :)