I think I have a blocked milk duct-29 weeks pg.

[seabuckthorn]

I'm not sure tbh and I'm seeing the midwife tomorrow so I will get her to check it out.
It's in my nipple behind the bumps on your nipple you get when you are pregnant. It's small not even pea size really.
It sort of aches now...probably from poking it! I have had a few of those pains you get when your milk comes in.
My breasts have been really itchy and are obviously growing.

I know I'm being sensible getting it checked out and I know you shouldnt diagnose over the Internet...but I am really worrying and spectacularly freaking it out!

I'm not freaking my lump out! I am myself freaking out!

Any advice anyone?

Really disappointed with trip to midwife.
She didn't even want to look at me and suggested I made an appointment with the GP.
So I'm seeing someone Thurs. I'll update in case anyone else finds themselves in this situation and searches.

Obviously still very worried!

Hi, have you tried kellymom for advice on unblocking a duct? Things like swapping position so baby's lower jaw is aimed at the blockage, or standing under a hot shower running a wide tooth comb over the area.
Hope you get it sorted

Good luck at the GP tomorrow sea, I would be interested to hear how you get on (bear in mind though that some GPs receive v little training in breastfeeding so their knowledge is limited).

Thinking about it, I'm not sure you could get a blocked duct in pregnancy because you wouldn't be producing mature milk yet (if this is not removed effectively, it backs up and causes a blockage like a river being dammed).

But I could be wrong of course. Hope things are OK.

crikey - I get multiple 'plugs' during pg even when it's just colostrum - it's like white fat in each duct opening on the nipple (happened each time I have been pg - 4 times now). Luckily, for the past 3 pg I have been nursing so they get removed during a feed but they can be very gently squeezed out or hand expressed out if needed.

I wonder if OP, you have got a blocked Montgomery gland (they make an anti-microbial secretion, lubricate the nipple so the skin is supple and provide a scent for baby to find after birth so they can get to the breast themselves) as you say the little lump isn't on the nipple but the areola. Could you call one of the bfing helplines to ask for help if the GP isn't helpful?

Thanks everyone for your replies. I will ask to be referred up to the breast clinic regardless of what the GP says, our GP's are not very well trained in this area it seems. I'm not sure how long the wait would be. I need to get a grip.
Truthsweet it could well be a blocked Montgomery Gland because it's pretty much under the little bumps you get around the nipple in pregnancy.
I mean other than feeling quite emotional and hormonal which is nothing unusual in pregnancy for me, I feel fine.

Thanks for replying. I'll update tomorrow, appointment is at 3.

It's a hard little thing, smaller than pea and I can lift it, I doubt that makes much sense!

Oh OK Truthsweet- that's interesting to know. Can't be too long till number 4 makes an arrival is it?

No it's not on my actual nipple but on the areola. I'll be lying if I said I wasn't scared tbh...I can't admit that it in real life. I'm a busy mum and everything is obviously fine.

Crikey - I'm in latent labour at the moment so any time in the next 3-4 weeks I reckon (DD3's latent phase was 3w) as I'm 37 weeks now.

Seabuckthorn - this might help reassure you. Good luck for your appt tomorrow.

Truthsweet- I was in latent labour with DS2 for 3 weeks, hope you don't have to wait too long.
Thanks for the link I'll update tomorrow x

Good fun isn't it Oh well the end is in sight

Oh god, sorry, on the iPhone app the title only shows up to the 29...!

MissT don't worry!
TruthSweet, was a blinking nightmare with DS2 he kept giving me false alarms so when he did decide to arrive... I was doing my food shop!
I read the link, I think the blockef MG could possibly be it, need to look at what treatment is advised. Dreading the GP, not had great experiences of late or the midwife for that matter!

I was so convinced DD3 was coming the week before she did I had my doula and the MWs out (planned HB) and it all fizzled out again. She eventually arrived 7 days later! Really hope this one behaves a bit better - the contractions aren't as regular as they were with DD3 (I had an afternoon of contractions each day) this time they are more sporadic and all over the place. Still not much I can do except wait it out

If the GP isn't much use, I don't know what to suggest except perhaps see if there is a local IBCLC who would take a look for you (they tend to be HCP who have done extra bfing training) but good luck anyway!

Well, I saw a really good GP! She thoroughly examined me and it is a tiny blocked milk duct. Going to try and massage it out in the shower. As long as it doesn't change or I have any redness or inflammation I'm just to keep an eye.
She picked up on the fact my nipple is inverted. It's always been this way but I don't know whether I should be worried about that tbh.
I really don't know anything about breasts, can anyone steer me in the right direction? I'm under 30 so assumed I'm not a target audience for awareness.

How are you doing TruthSweet? Hanging in there?

Glad you have got some help seabuck, it's heartening to hear your GP was useful.

Inverted nipples can make breastfeeding a bit trickier, but certainly not impossible. You'll find good stuff on kellymom again. (I'm assuming you meant in relation to breastfeeding here, but perhaps you could expand ...?)

Still pg and very very for some reason today. The children have been just pushing my buttons today (running off at the shops, not tidying their playroom, and drawing on things they shouldn't!). Oh well, just have to ride it out, baby has to come out at some point!

Really glad to hear the GP was so helpful, it's always good when they surprise you (I have had too many personal experiences with the other kind of GP ). Here's hoping the blockage resolves quickly.

Agree with crikey - inverted can make it a little bit trickier BUT any of the 'resolutions' to an inverted nipple actually have less of a success rate than leaving it alone so don't think you need to buy any thing or do any exercises to get the nipple out. Don't forget it's BREASTfeeding not nipplefeeding so it's not too important what the nipple looks like just as long as there's milk coming out of it

Thanks all for all your support.
I was very surprised by the good GP, I also have been let down far too many times. She was straight talking.
I just worried about the inverted nipple as I've never thought it was a problem before. Glad to hear its not!
My boobs are quite erm heaving for want of a better word I don't really like faffing with them, quite uncomfortable. Will the massage and hot shower get rid of it? I'm not producing any milk yet. Im 29 weeks.

So sorry you've had a bad day TruthSweet. It's a blinking nightmare when they just push all your buttons, I've felt defeated with 2 many a time. Hope a hot brew will help? Though if you are anything like me only a full night's sleep in a some kind of marshmallow type bed will do!
Getting some cracking BH's such a strong reminder of what's to come!

You could try a hot (but not scalding!) flannel on the lump and seeing if that helps open the duct/gland before massaging as well as trying the shower (that will help ease the BH too).

I have a 'nest' to sleep on - a king size duvet folded in 3 with a mattress pad on top and a full length body pillow - still not comfy I have twirl bites though so that's helping