Partial blockage in one breast

[ednabuckett]

Ever since I started bfing my daughter (she's almost 5 months) I have had trouble feeding from the right breast. I'm not sure if its the angle or comfort or what, but we've never really got to grips with it. Feeding on the left is a total breeze. Anyway, I seem to always have a problem with the right currently. This week its a blockage over the top and side of my breast. Last week it was a white spot on the nipple which I managed to burst and then feed. So with regards to the blockage, I am feeding as normal from it but it's going to cause me a problem doing that as I am back to work in 2 1/2 weeks and need to start dropping day feeds (I plan to carry on bfing when I am at home with her). So by keeping feeding her to clear it, I am producing more milk which is going to make it harder to drop those feeds?

I think I have cleared part of the blockage as it does drain, but very very slowly... so milk is being produced and drunk out of the bottom half very readily it seems but not from from the top. I have to feed her for 30-40 minutes and really try and keep her attention in order to make the hardness on the top and side dissipate a little. This morning I fed her for 35 minutes (she used to be done in 10-15) but it didn't completely drain and she was fed up by then so I had to stop. We had a similar feed just now - it has softened so I know I'm managing to drain it a bit but it doesn't seem to be speeding up in terms of clearing and I'm really concerned about needing to drop feeds.

I'm doing hot compresses when I can, and massaging throughout the feed etc. It feels a little sore but I've had worse soreness before so I don't think I'm developing infection yet but I'm keeping a close eye on it..

Any advice? My main questions:

1. By feeding on that side more in order to clear it completely is it going to be harder to drop daytime feeds which may result in a blockage again when I am back at work and cannot feed? (I won't be able to express at work and wouldn't want to, its filthy there).

1. Can I start to reduce feeds on that side seeing as it does drain a little or do I need to keep emptying it to clear it completely before starting to drop feeds? I did clear it yesterday afternoon but it does get firm again between feeds - even after the long feed I mentioned above so I feel I'm going to go round in circles?

I would be really grateful for anyones thoughts and advice...

Hmmm. Difficult to know what to do really. I think if it were me I would get rid of the current blockage and then start to drop feeds. Personally, I think have found that when my breasts feel full for a few days they then produce less but If I was to not sort a blockage out completely it would get worse.

Is there anyway you can express at work even if you are dumping the milk?
How often does she feed during the day at the moment?

I agree you need to work on dropping the feed asap.

You are doing everything right to solve the blockage But have you tried nursing in a different position? Rugby ball is good for me for getting rid of blockages. Others swear by doing the chin to the blockage...
Also, doublecheck you don't have a milk blister , look in the mirror at your nipple.

Good luck.

I think you need to keep emptying that breast until the blockage is completely cleared or you're setting yourself up for mastitis.

Try rugby ball hold to get your LOs chin into the bloackage - or massage it during feeds.

You may have to pump and dump for a while at work at first if you don't have time to slowly drop the feeds after clearing this blockage.

Thanks for your replies. I think I actually have mastitis. I phoned a LLL leader last night who was really helpful and gave me lots of info about compressing and this morning, although it feels like a big bruise, the engorgement and hardness have gone. I've been expressing the left in the meantime to try and keep that supply up. I'm giving her the 'bad' breast every feed and moving to the other side if she wants more so fingers crossed it will pass soon and won't become infected.