AIBU to be worried about lump

[AloeVeraSeeYaCilla]

Breastfeeding at moment, 4 month old. In shower earlier and got hard lump behind nipple. Should I be worried? Cos I am.....

Help. Worried.

Sounds like a blocked milk duct.

Get it checked. Might be a blocked duct. Apply heat. Massage gently. Keep feeding.

But get it checked if it doesn't go away

I'm sure it's a blocked milk duct or something but give your hv/gp a ring this morning and get it checked out.

Thanks all. It's not painful to touch or squeeze.

Same advice as above - hot flannel, massage towards the nipple, keep feeding and see gp when you can. Go with your gut and don't be fobbed off.

Could be a blocked duct that could develop into mastitis in which case heat and massage should begin to clear it but could also be more sinister, which only a specialist can tell you. Good luck

Shitting myself.

Hi. Try not to panic.

Most likely it's related to your milk production. I had lots of lumps while breastfeeding- it's very common.

Good advice above to apply heat and gently massage.

If it doesn't ease, then visit your GP. Even still, it's most likely not something sinister.

x

Thank you. I'm just so sleep deprived and running round after poorly toddler

Yes, do try not to panic despite what I said. I wouldn't want to frighten you, that's not my intention. All I meant was that if it's not just a duct then it's better seen sooner than later and I say that through experience.

The biggest likelihood though is still a blockage.

What are symptoms of blocked milk duct versus something more sinister? Few weeks ago it was really, really painful to feed on right side, pain and soreness has subsided and now can feel this lump behind nipple.

Generally a blocked duct is painless, just a bit of a lump that can be massaged and fed away. Sometimes it will become painful - that's when you need to be careful of mastitis, when it will become red, very tender, hot and you might feel like you have the flu - sick, rigors etc. If you massage sometimes you will get pus from the nipple and you will need antibiotics from your gp.

The more sinister lumps are usually symptomless.

Do try not to worry (not easy I know), and see your dr soon.

Appointment booked at 9am. Normally you need to have your head hanging off but mentioned 'lump in breast' and she booked me in straight away. Now to get a toddler and baby sorted!!

I had one of these which lasted months, it was pea sized and not painful. I had an ultrasound and it was a milk cyst. I'd given up breast feeding months earlier. It went after about 9months. Make an appt with gp to get it diagnosed then you can forget about it

Good. Glad to hear you can have your mind put at rest. Let us know how you go.

She says it's a blocked duct most likely. She was very nice but said she was a trainee so was going to have a chat with her supervisor later. Still nervous tbh.

Had pain in this breast few weeks back and thought it was poor latch. Nipple was sore. Could this be related?

I would really try not to worry.
Some of us just have lumpy boobs! I had a lump checked out which was nothing, so don't panic if they refer you as its best to be thorough x

Dr phoned back after chatting to supervisor and she has reassured me that it is probably just a blocked duct but of it's still there in 4 weeks they'll refer me for a mammogram. Still worried tbh. Husband is thinking that 4 weeks is a long time to 'wait and see...'

If you've had it checked and are breastfeeding try to follow the good advice you've had and relax. You sound very anxious. The pain you had a few weeks ago is almost certainly some other breast feeding related issue such as a painful let down.

Easy to say try not to worry but in this case it's been checked, you've had advice and are panicking. Can you distract yourself and try some calming breathing?

I'm sure it is nothing more than a blocked milk duct (I had one when bf too) but if you are concerned and it's going to eat away at you - spoiling the next month with your baby - then I'd really recommend trying to book a private scan. Your GP would just need to refer you. I don't know your financial situation but even if you have to borrow the money from family then I would (and I'm sure they would rather you got it checked too.) Sure you are fine but awful when you just want reassurance xxx

Thanks so much everyone. I've considered private scan tbh. I am anxious. Already take anti depressants for anxiety and depression so this has had me spiralling a bit. That and a woman a few weeks back talking to me while getting nails done about how her daughter had breast cancer while breastfeeding. She was fobbed off by medics.

I had several of these lumps while nursing both of my kids. No pain, just hard lumps. Warm compresses and letting them feed as much as possible would get rid of them. Try not to worry but get it checked if it doesn't go away.

OP, anxiety and depression feed off of any health concerns. Why don't you and DH agree that you can leave it until Thursday or Friday to see if it disappears and then if it is still there you can look into private scans?

Oh OP, I do feel for you. I get health anxiety and it's so easy to let someone else's story plant a seed.

I'm sure it's completely fine but if I was you I would do what PP suggested and get scan if not gone by Thursday - just for peace of mind. Could you arrange one and then cancel if it's not required?