Large lump on nipple (breast feeding)

[TrixieFranklin]

I've been breastfeeding my son for nearly 4 months and since about 5 weeks in I've started getting a lump almost sprouting out from my nipple. It's grown and grown and is now about the size of a large pea.
Its 'base' is nipple texture but then the 'head' is very light in colour and the texture wise feels like a very firm and full blister almost. It hurts to push it / feel it but unless I touch it then it's no bother. In appearance it has lots of blood vessels.
It's about half the size of the actual nipple but sticks out further. It doesn't change consistency (for lack of better word) when my nipples change hard/soft.

Any thoughts? I've been putting off going to the GP.

[Yorkshireteapot]

I had something similar when breastfeeding DD2 - I went to the GP and although she was fairly confident it was a blocked milk duct or something she sent me for an ultrasound at hospital. Sonographer said it was unusual but definitely nothing to worry about, just pooled milk. It was hard and I could roll it in my fingers, kind of like a pea. I imagined it more like a small, hard lump of boob cheese.

I researched blocked ducts etc and tried massage, feeding in different positions etc. but it didn’t go away until I stopped feeding and hasn’t come back since.

From what you have described it sounds similar.

Go to see your GP just to be sure and join a local breastfeeding support network on Facebook.

[Mycrazylife85]

Why are you putting off going to the GP? Nothing can be done about whatever it is otherwise. If it was something serious you'd have nothing but regret for not going for your little one and family. Make that appointment

[IfWishesWereFishes]

I had this too, and just ignored it until it eventually burst after about a year.

[TrixieFranklin]

I always stupidly put off going, I hate thinking I might be wasting their time and I usually end up taking the toddler twins with me and they've kicked off at the doctors ever since their jabs and that plus a tiny baby and the thought of sitting in the waiting room for hours when they're inevitably running late for appointments makes me anxious. It's just an excuse, I'm being silly.

I'll call tomorrow - thank you! Definitely don't fancy it popping

[IfWishesWereFishes]

It didn't pop as such, just rubbed off with a towel I think in the end. It was like dried milk.

[Tiredeyesalways]

I had a blocked duct at the beginning of the year. My GP was beyond useless and had no clue about breastfeeding issues. She even asked which baby I was breastfeeding, as clearly the 9 month old in front of her was too old Her only advice was antibiotics and to come back in a week. I had no joy from the local breastfeeding help either.
By that point I was unable to feed from that side as it was too painful, but otherwise was exactly as you describe. So in total frustration, and after much googling, I took a sterile needle to it. A lot of what appeared to be dried milk came out, a big ball of it. That sorted it completely and it hasn't returned.
Obviously I'm not recommending you do the same, as yours could be different, but that's what I did!

[TrixieFranklin]

Gp said it's a retention cyst from a blocked duct and to leave it until I'm not BF unless it gets infected. She said if I burst it myself it will become infected.

[Yorkshireteapot]

Glad you got it sorted OP. Hopefully it will just reduce as you wind down feeding. Good luck! X