Lumpy breast

[ib]

I am bfing my 5mo ds. Last night I noticed one of my breasts had gone very lumpy. The lumpy areaseems to cover about 1/3 of the breast, is not red or painful but does seem hard.

I've had a blocked duct before and this is different, much further beck from the nipple and lots of little bumps rather than one big one.

Anyone had this? Can I just ignore it so long as it doesn't hurt? Any help gratefully received...

Sounds like a mass of small blocked ducts. The way to tell is to feed continually for as long as poss on that side, possibly doing the same side twice and see if it goes. The milk can go hard and stringy (yep yuck I know) if the ducts do get quite blocked.

It doesn't harm the baby btw, and will eventually be absorbed.

Thanks! Do you think pumping would help? I have ds feeding off that side now but he doesn't seem too keen...

It'll be harder for him to get milk out that's why. Pumping may help but no pump is as good as a baby suckling. Try a warmed wet flannel (not too hot) on your boobs beforehand to encourage let down. If you can hand express a bit first, it might help.

ib - very VERY rarely, reluctance to feed on one side can be because of a growth, but it's exceptionally rare. Try feeding and emptying that breast and if not, see your GP who can feel and see if it's a milky lump or another sort. Don't worry, we've all had that 'OMG I think I've got breast cancer' moment.

Thanks again. Actually, I'm not at all worried it might be breast cancer, I was more inclined to panic about imminent mastitis! But mostly just feeling puzzled.

Ds now finally feeding properly from that side

Good stuff - the old 'cabbage leaves in the bra' can really help too! Glad to be able to help have been through it myself (including mastitis) and it's horrid!