Blocked milk duct for fourth time

[emoo777]

Has anyone got any experience with blocked milk ducts? I keep getting a milk blister at the end of my nipple. I burst it with a sterilised needle and am then able to drain the breast, but a few days later it is back. The doctor just says massage it but I am concerned ds isn't getting enough milk as he is nursing every hour of the night and cries after feeding. He is four months so I know this behaviour can be normal at this stage. I just don't feel it is normal to keep sticking pins in my nipples. I also feel fluey today and am worried I might be getting mastitis. Any advice?

I got a blocked duct on one side about four times in a row at about the age your DS is and when I looked at his mouth on the nipple I could see that part of his lip was tucked under at exactly that spot. I also found that wearing him in a sling pressed on that breast and I noticed that a day after wearing the sling (this could apply to any restrictive clothing I suppose), the duct was blocked again. I don't know if either of these things applies to you, but check your bra is fitting properly and comfortably, that your bag strap doesn't press on your breast, etc, as it could be something like that.

As for the threatened mastitis - make an appt with your GP immediately. You'll need antibiotics to clear it up if that's what it is and you'll feel quite ill if you don't get them asap.

Thanks juneau. I do wear a sling but haven't in the last week so I don't believe this has caused it this time around. I can tell the skin has grown over the duct though.

Just saw the doctor and he doesn't think I have mastitis at the moment. However, he had absolutely no idea how treat a blocked duct and basically suggested I give up breastfeeding. I said I wanted to carry on so he is going to get a midwife to call me. Will keep updating in case anyone finds themself in the same position.

I don't know if you've seen this - Kellymom has some suggestions for recurring milk blisters.

If you need advice the best place to go is La Leche League. They won't tell you to give up BF (it appalls me how bloody awful the BF advice is from GPs and a lot of MWs and HVs). They will hopefully be able to give you sensible advice about how to treat and avoid a future episode.

www.laleche.org.uk/

I have had a persistent blocked duct too, and as posted above the GP was clueless. Would second the Kellymom site. I think eventually mine went by expressing in the bath every night and massaging, sometimes with a comb. I'm keeping this up (although only expressing a bit now) in the hope it doesn't come back.

Thanks for the replies. I have tried some of the suggestions on Kellymom so we shall see. I also tried to call La Leche League but no success in getting through so far. My doctor's surgery hasn't got back to me so have chased them. Ds was very unhappy after last feed, refusing to be put down, so am in a bit of a panic about my milk supply. I expressed 60ml from that breast after unblocking with a needle and he gulped that down and cried again. Not sure what is going on!

Rowbot and juneau - did you feel like your supply was affected / did you notice any difference in the feeding habits of your babies?

I kept getting the same blocked duct (slightly different scenario in that I'm constantly expressing) and it was suggested to me to massage it each time I expressed. To initially unblock it though, I was told to not underestimate how hard I need to massage it! I was kneading my breast until it bloody hurt and also tried hand expressing in a hot bath. I must say that since the last time, I've been all clear.

And in relation to your last question - I was definitely getting less milk out of the affected breast.

OK so will wage war on duct. Only problem is red patches have appeared all over my breast and my flu symptoms are getting worse and worse. Might be hitting the antibiotics soon!

Yes Emoo, definitely affected supply, as the un blocked duct leaks all the time now and i'm going through a shed load of nursing pads!

PS hope you've got the fluey symptoms under control with the antibiotics.

Rowbot - Thanks. I never took the antibiotics as held off as red marks disappeared and may have been due to lots of massaging
Turned out I had full blown flu rather than mastitis. Interestingly, after waging war on blocked duct yesterday, ds settled at 7, slept for 5 hours and only fed twice in night which was a massive breakthough. He is now in the best mood ever!