Blocked duct

[scrivette]

My left breast has felt tender since yesterday and feels quite hard. I have blue 'veins' running down it, I assume these are milk ducts as I can see that a couple of them are very red.

I have been feeding the baby from this side first, but he has been fussing a lot on that side so I am not sure if he is getting much.

I have been massaging it a bit, I don't know if it's doing any good!

I have been feeling a bit 'unwell' today, but not sure if that's just because I am tired.
Does this sound like a blocked duct and is there anything else I can do?
I can't express at the moment as I took the pump apart to clean it and it now won't work!
Is there anything else

You can try Having a hot shower and massaging it Under the hot water. I also used a small wheat bag Before feeding from that side help against the sore bit.
Have you tried hand expressing from that side?

Keep massaging down the breast, sometimes you have to be a little firm. Unused to used my knuckles and push down towards the nipple. Hot shower or bath and gentle massaging first will also help.

Keep feeding off that side and try moving lo in to different feeding positions to see if it'll clear that way.

The fact you have felt under the weather today leads me to question mastitis. Look at kellymom and if the symptoms fit, talk to a doctor for some antibiotics. From experience I know how painful it can be.

Massage in a hot bath towards the nipple. If you see any white spots on the nipple, try and pick these off (I did this once and it was like popping a pimple! The milk just squirted out everywhere and the relief was immense). Do you have a temp? Keep a close eye as mastitis can come on quickly and will need urgent attention.

Thank you, will try the ideas and see how I am feeling tomorrow.

If it does turn into Mastis is it worth calling the Emergancy Doctor or is it something that can wait until Monday?

Call the emergency dr.

Emergency doc. Its much simpler to treat if you catch it early.

Get the doctor. I currently have mastitis and the doctor came out yesterday as I have a high temperature and was vomiting. I couldn't even keep water down. I wish I had gone to the doc when I started to feel unwell earlier in the week but didn't put the signs together. The antibiotics will now take longer to work and I am stuck feeling like I have the worst flu ever for DS's christening tomorrow. :-((

I have felt fine today and it seems the blockage gas almost cleared. Thank you for all of your tips.

AJH, hope you are feeling a bit better for the Christening.