Help! Blocked duct?

[SendHelpAndGin]

Hi all

I think I have my first blocked duct. Woke up this morning with my right breast feeling extremely tender and it's got worse as the day has gone on.

Can't feel / see a specific lump but my breast feels very engorged, sort of from 9 o clock to 12 o clock if you were looking at me. I've taken ibuprofen and have fed baby lots on that side today (I usually only feed from one side at a time) but it feels like it's getting worse. Is it worth pumping? Is there anything else I should try?!

[athingthateveryoneneeds]

This will hurt, but you must massage the sore area as hard as possible. Do it during feeds, in the bath, or shower. Move baby so chin is pointing towards the sore area, and keep rested and hydrated.

This can easily turn into mastitis. Would also be worth getting a hot pad on the area to sooth it and help reduce inflammation.

[SendHelpAndGin]

Thank you. Baby is being super fussy about feeding on that side, I guess because he's not getting much out?

[VaselineOnToast]

How are you getting on? You could try positioning the baby so that their chin is pointing to the sore area whilst feeding, if that makes sense. This can provide direct drainage of the affected area. If it's an awkward position, you could try it lying down.

[SendHelpAndGin]

No relief as of yet - have tried a hot compress and massaging while feeding. It's the top / side of my breast so feeding with chin pointing to the area is requiring some gymnastics which baby doesn't seem overly fond of!

I think I may have a milk blister - small white area on my nipple. Could that cause this? How do I clear it?

Thank you all!

[VaselineOnToast]

Yes, that sounds like a milk blister/bleb. Removing it could potentially help with clearing the duct.

Here's some information that could be useful: www.nct.org.uk/parenting/breastfeeding-blocked-milk-ducts

I hope you find some relief! If it doesn't clear up soon, it would be worth making an appointment with your GP for help, in order to preempt the onset of mastitis.

[SendHelpAndGin]

Thank you for that info! So a hot bath, rubbing it with a flannel and then feeding straight after seems to have opened it up. I'm pumping now to relieve the engorgement - hoping it doesn't close back over but will keep an eye on it!

Thank you all!

[athingthateveryoneneeds]

Oh best of luck. I ended up with blocked ducts after fighting tooth and nail to get my tongue tied baby fully breastfed. Didn't seem fair!!

[DryHeave]

I had this. I did all the pumping, wet heat etc etc and after no luck I gritted my teeth and squeezed. It popped like a spot and the milk ran out for minutes!