Third of boob not draining when baby feeds...what is this and how do I resolve?

[papillonrouge]

I am quite an experienced bf mum but have a problem that I don't recognise or know how to resolve. For the last two feeds, when DS has fed, pretty much the whole top third of one breast has not drained...it is now feeling quite engorged and starting to get uncomfortable. I have had blocked ducts in the past but they have been much more localised (ie on a much smaller area) and much more painful more quickly feeling very bruised...so far this just feels painful as there is so much pressure from the build up of milk. The only other symptom I had noticed was a small amount of discomfort around the nipple when DS was feeding - I just assumed his latch wasn't the best this time for some reason but now wonder whether the two are linked?

I will try one of the helplines when they open but do any of you know what this might be and how I get it sorted? Thanks in advance.

milk blister? one of the holes being blocked with a bit of skin...

you can google (or just sterilise a needle and gently scrape -NOT stab/poke etc- the blister off...not medically approved advice but that's what I did)

Thanks Tante...can't see anything that looks like a blister to scrape over but it had crossed my mind that this might be the problem. Will google some more to get more informed.

with ds2 swapping to a rugby hold worked to clear a blocked duct also hot shower and hand experssing under it. Knew when it had unblocked as suddenly squirted across bathroom and gushed without expressing

Thanks upsy. Really can't see anything blister like to remove so will try usual techniques of hot compress and shower...just really confused as with any other blocked duct feeding has provided at least some relief where as feeding just isn't shifting it at all

I would feed from different angles, so rugby hold as mentioned, lie him on your tummy so his chin comes from underneath etc.

If you start to feel unwell then go to your GP because you don't mastitis to develop and to have no antibiotics over the weekend.

Try to rest if you can, although it sounds like you have older children so perhaps that isn't possible!

Thanks Ali. Yes...older toddler who is currently trying to help me type responses! Off to try rugby hold feed then will call GP to get appointment just in case. I don't feel great, but that could just be sleep deprivation...I never feel great first thing!

You have my sympathy, baby and toddler is bloody hard work.

Hope your boob gets better