Blocked ducts - any advice?

[Kyliebump]

Baby is 3 days old today and my milk has come in -I seem to have several painful lumps towards my armpit, and am wondering if this is engorgement or blocked ducts? Does anyone have any advice or tips for treatment?

I know you are not in the UK, but try calling a bf counsellor.... the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers has a 24hour helpline.
Here is their number :
44.20 7813 1481

KateLB, I'm trying not to sound like the cabbage queen but apparently (just had second DS and Midwife explained this yesterday) the savoy cabbage is gentler on the breast than the white cabbage with the hard leaves, midwife recommended taking the stalk out and making sure the nipple is not covered with the cabbage.

Hi,

Like previous person have sailed through feeding to 7 1/2 months with no problems. Now feel as though I have a blocked duct. Have tried warm bath and massage. Will try savoy cabbage and Afro comb tomorrow if it's no better. Does anyone know what might have caused it? I do carry her on my hip a lot, and she's recently started putting her hand on the breast (just where the blockage is!!) How long should I leave it before heading off to the GP?
Any advice greatfully received!

Ludo,

You will not need to go to the doctr unless you are feeling unwell with flu like symptoms or a red painful area in your breast that is not improving.
Perhaps you are fedding after giving solids which caused me some problems initially. I actually ended up with eczema on my nipple which was cured with a mild steroid cream. If your baby is on solids perhps the breast is not being emptied well. Feed her for a short time prior to solids to encourage the blockage to shift. Massage the lump whilst feeding and it will soon resolve. Let us know how you get on.

Thanks for the advice Mears. Sadly, I think I left it a bit too late and have ended up with mastitis, I'm now feeling better 3 days into the antibiotics but isn't if horrid! I think you're right, she's eating quite a lot of solids now so isn't always that bothered about my milk (except when she's upset or being looked after by a grandparent of course) With hindsight I had felt the blockage building for a couple of days before really trying hard to remove it - so it's my own fault. Anyway we live and learn!

try & avoid any kind of pressure across boobs - eg handbag, which was what caused one of my bouts of mastitis. also drink loads of water, especially now summer is here