Help - whole boob seems to be blocked, baby can't feed.

[bluebea]

Just been reading other threads to try and find similar experience, have also read Kellymom pages. Woke this morning with left boob blocked, feels sore and lumpy. My DD cannot feed from that side, so have been expressing, but only very tiny bit coming out. Have had blocked duct before, but this feels like the whole boob is blocked. Have tried hot shower, bath, massage, hot cloth. Nothing is working. I don't have any flu symptons. Don't know what to do to unblock it!

The nipple is normal and no red marks. Baby latches on fine, but can't get any milk out it seems. She just gets frustrated and cries :(DD is 19 weeks.

what method of expressing have you been doing? Does it hurt to express? Have you tried feeding in different positions? You could try vibrations (electric toothbrush or something). Take ibuprofen to reduce any inflammation. Maybe ring one of the bf helplines for advice, I can't think of anything else. Hope it clears really soon

What about feeding from good side and using knuckles to massage lumpy side - letdown might help. Agree with calling a helpline though.

Could u have a milk blister? I had one once and did not realise, thought it was a blocked duct and couldn't understand why nothing was coming out.

See here

www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/nipplebleb.html

Comb your boob in a warm shower

You need a wide toothed comb

I find this really effective

Also try a different feeding position so the baby's chin can massage any lumps in the breast

Thanks so much for all the advice. Eachpeach80, it was a milk blister. I hooked it out with a sterile needle and then I was able to drain the boob. Never been so bloody relieved. Only took me 18 hours to sort :) This forum was more helpful than the NHS line and the breastfeeding helpline, thanks you all wonderful Mums every where (feeling very grateful)
x x x x x

Bloody hell bluebea you and your sterile needle!! Glad you got sorted :)