blocked duct

[Iscreamtea]

I've got a blocked duct, it's really sore :(. I'm feeding baby as much as I can from that side (without causing probs the other side) and taking ibuprofen. I'm desperately hoping it doesn't turn into mastitis, been there done that don't want to do it again!

Any tips for the pain or helping it go? How long does it usually take to go? Do you think it's worth trying to get a just in case script for ABs?

Such bad timing I'm soooo busy and the baby is ill.

Use a few different positions to feed. Start every feed that side. Sometimes I laid down so DS could have his chin near lump.

The first time it took ages (weeks) for my blocked duct to go. Then I got quicker at clearing them (hours)

The kellymom website might be useful.

www.kellymom.com/index.html

Good luck.

Thank you, I had a look on the kellymom site, it says rest oh well. Actually reading that I wonder if the blockage is gone and I'm just left with the tenderness. It says it can take a while to go. In which case at least it's not too likely I'll get mastitis.

I know what you mean. I was very worried about getting mastitis.

Ive had mastitis and it's truly horrible. Like flu, but it comes from nowhere with no warning. I really recommend you get yourself to the GP today to get some antibiotics just in case. You may not need them, but given that Christmas is just around the corner and doctors will be shut its better to be safe than sorry.

In the meantime, put in a call to the NCT, La Leche League or Breastfeeding Network support lines for techniques to shift that blockage.

Good luck.

Fortunately we have a very good walk in center that will be open. I'm feeling ok for now, as much as you can on very little sleep anyway (ill baby), and it's a nightmare to get to the GP today for various reasons so I think I'll leave it. I've got until 2pm to decide though. That's when I have to call for a pm appointment.

Thanks.

Scrub that, I think I'll be making a double appointment at the GP for baby and me. Happy Christmas...

If it's a bleb/milk blister and it gets really bad you can get your doc to unblock it. Mine did it and if offered instant, exquisite relief.

You're not going to like it though.

She opened the duct again with a sterilised needle. It hurt like buggery but less than the pain of all that milk backing up. And infinitely less miserable than mastitis.

There isn't an obvious lump, just a largeish tender area which is exactly how mastitis started last time. I now have ABs but I'm holding off taking them because I don't feel ill, I will start at the first sign though.

I keep having these, so far massaging the area with a hot then a cold compress/flannel - getting the baby to feed as much as poss in different positions and I think resting my boob on a hot water bottle helped too.