Blocked milk ducts...

[glitternanny]

had my 5 day check with the mw and I had noticed a lump in one of my boobs - she thinks it's a blocked milk duct and could be the start of mastitis :(

Ive not got any other symptoms or signs gotta try and massage it out!?!

Massage can help as can hot and cold compresses. They can go away with self-treatment but shouldn't just be left.

Look out for a temperature which could signal mastitis.

You have a couple of options, if you're bf, you can recline in bed or on the sofa and latch baby on so his or her chin is nearest the lump, baby is a very effective massager! or have a hot bath or shower and massage the lump towards your nipple, a bit of hair conditioner is quite good for this as its slippery.

Don't worry that its necessarily the start of mastitis, but do try and get rid of it asap so it doesn't develop into anything else. That said, lack of pain is a good sign. I had a few under my right boob and they bloody hurt! And I've had one near the nipple which is painless and seems to just come and go.

Good luck :)

I found releasing my bra a notch and not sleeping in it or on my tummy/that side really helped. Also agree that lots of heat and plenty massage a good option. Hope it clears - mine still niggling!

Thanks for the tips re the milk duct - seems better already - the hot shower really helped - should it clear quite quickly if I'm doing the right things?

Think so! I had one yesterday too- painful and thought I was headed for mastitis. But lovely mn ladies told me what to do. It took a while - was big blockage tho- but got it cleared and the relief was huge- I was in a lot of pain and then with some work, and baby's help it cleared just like that! I'm making sure I use that side first all day today just to make sure!

Yes it should clear quickly if you keep massaging gently and feed as much as possible. Try a few different feeding positions with that boob too - that will help ducts drain evenly.

Get a wide toothed comb and stroke your boob with it in the shower. I swear by it

My lovely 8m DD worked really hard last week to clear mine. She fed like a newborn for a morning :) I'd also tried a hot water bottle and massage but she was much more effective and seemed to realise what she needed to do :o