blocked duct?

[mcflumpy]

Hi I woke up this morning with a lot of pain in one breast. I fed my daughter from that breast first and feeding was OK. However the breast is still very painful. It feels like its bruised, very very tender under the breast and on one side, I can't feel any lumps but it is very painful so I've only had a delicate feel around.

Is this likely to be a blocked duct?

if so what's the best way to aleviate the pain?

Thanks in advance.

[kitpuss]

I've had loads of blocked ducts so can sympathise!! It does sound like one, except I do normally have a lump, sometimes half of the breast feels hard, but I know what you mean about not wanting to press because it hurts so much.

To be honest the only thing that I have found that works to clear it is feeding, put your daughter on that side first everytime you feed until it is better. Heating the breast first too can help, hot water on a disposable nappy works well, the nappy stays warm for ages although is rather cumbersome around your breast!!

Kellymom is fantastic website for breastfeeding problems and advice, I'm no good at links but if you type kellymom on google it will come up.

Good luckxx

[kitpuss]

Should have said you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen as well.

[roomforthree]

This is probably not recommended but if you can see a white spot on your nipple, gently trying to remove it can release the blockage. Instant relief ime.

Try also feeding in a different position, and massaging the the area that is tender.

[Ineedsomesleep]

I can second Kellymom.com its fab, and all the information is evidence based, not one person's opinion.

If you can, try gently massaging the breast in the direction of the milk flow while you are feeding.

Make sure you drink plenty of water too.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

[mathanxiety]

A hot or cold compress on the painful area might relieve the pain a bit, plus varying the feeding position to make sure the breast is being drained from all angles. Best wishes.

[Caro1302]

A hot compress (a newborn nappy dipped in hot water works well) works for me, along with massaging right on the lump/sore part, towards the nipple. It does hurt but the relief when the duct clears itself is fantastic. I sympathise- they really hurt.

[MarsLady]

also try feeding in a different position. Eg. if you feed cross cradle hold, try rugby hold.

Comb the back of your fingers along the breast. Warm water from the shower head. Massage all of breast. Drink plenty of fluids. hth

[Montifer]

Kellymom is great for all bf related info.
I found ibuprofen really helpful too.
Hope it settles down really quickly, the pain can be excrutiating.

[mcflumpy]

thanks ladies, some good ideas, I'll give the suggestions a try. Don't know what my LO did tonight but I could've cried the pain was so excrutiating at one point during her feed. Off to have a hot shower now.