Stopped BF, ?blocked duct

[twinkleymum]

I stopped BF 3 nights ago, had been cutting down gradually over last 3 weeks but then DD2 started teething and refused me altogether 3 nights ago. This wasn't a problem as I'd been reducing the number of feeds and was only doing 1-2 night feeds, but last night I noticed my breasts were a bit uncomfortable but not engorged and now I have a lump in one about the size of a 10p piece. I've taken ibuprofen and have used cold cabbage leaves, warm flannel and massage and I've tried pumping but nothing comes out. It's only a little uncomfortable a bit like a bruise. Should I worry or will it just go away if I carry on with the above? Any suggestions on how to clear it please?

i'm not familiar with breast feeding related issues as i only managed to do it about 2 months! but may as well get it checked out. it's probably nothing/something that's common to women when they stop nursing, but best to certain ;)

Oh eek, really don't want to worry you, but please get it checked out. I got what sounds like a similar thing after 15 months of hassle-free feeding and it turned into an abscess....

Not saying yours is that but you shouldn't ignore it. Is there any way you can get DD back onto the breast to clear it out?

You need to clear the lump - if it's still painful, it's not an abscess.

The easiest way is to feed on that side, ideally with the baby's chin to the lump. Pumping and massage might clear it.

Have tried to get her to feed but she absolutely refuses. Will try bath and pump in there, hopefully will get something out! Both breasts are quite tender but only one has a lump in it.

Bath and massage followed by pumping and massage really helped, managed to get 2oz off. Not tender now and very small, will repeat tonight and hopefully will go away. Thanks for your advice

Excellent, twinkleymum, it does sound like a blocked duct then. Glad you've sorted it out.