Scabs, clogged ducts and giving up

[megmogg]

My daughter (second child) is one week old and we’ve had a hell of a time with breastfeeding. Both nipples are scabbed and bleeding - one of them has developed a plugged duct, I think because of the size of the blister on it so I am working to get that cleared up. I tried a nipple shield today, it still hurt badly and had loads of blood in it. I have had HVs and MWs check the latch, but they all say it’s fine (I’m going to a breastfeeding cafe later for another opinion). I am filled with anxiety and had a severe panic attack yesterday.

If you’re still reading (well done you), hopefully you understand why I’m DONE and have decided to move to formula. I bf my son for 19 months, so I do understand the benefits and importance of perseverance for those who really WANT to bf, but I feel I’m about to have a nervous breakdown. I want to be able to enjoy both of my children. I never got to liking it with my son - I just did it because I felt it was right but always wished I could just allow myself to quit.

But there’s the issue of the plugged duct and I’m worried it will turn into mastitis. I have been feeding and massaging out of that breast and it’s a little less red and hot now so I think I’ve made progress but not sure. How do I move to formula when I have this problem? I was thinking of introducing one bottle a day for 3 days, then another for a few days, and so on and so forth until I have stopped completely. Does this sound like it will work? Do you have any other suggestions for how to make the switch?

If you have definitely decided to stop BF could you use a pump ? I mean , pump every 3-4 hours to start with then reduce until your supply drops ? You could give the expressed milk to the baby and increase the ratio of ebm vs formula over a few weeks?

Have you shown the clogged duct / abcess to anyone and what was the advice ?

You mentioned you are going to a BF cafe later so you may actually be wanting to continue ? If so I hope they can help. Things may improve a lot with the right help. Xx

Also, look after your mental health and try and get rest wherever you can. And accept help from anyone who asks ! You are doing a great job

Ps imo midwives have v little knowledge of BF and don’t know how to help really, so if you do want to carry on is best to get help elsewhere (my experience). If you phone the postnatal ward they may have a specialist breastfeeding consultant.
But no pressure - if you want to
Stop then stop !! Your baby will be just as healthy xxx

I agree. Pump to clear the duct and then if you want you can bottle feed the milk. Use an electric pump (the tommy tippee is quite inexpensive and works well) and while it's on massage the hard lump in a very firm pushing or kneading motion with either palm or knuckle towards the nipple. You can also rub in circles. Lean forward while you do it.

The clogged duct only appeared yesterday and I treated it by feeding a lot off of that boob and massaging/warm compress. I just looked and it already appears much less red. Do you think I should attempt to see my GP to be sure? I’m never sure who I’m meant to be calling - GP, HV, someone in between?

I’m going to the bf cafe so they can check my latch and let me know if they can think of a faster way to heal the cuts and scabs. Right now I feel like they’ll never get better because I’m constantly feeding. I’m also hoping I can rent a pump to try it out.

I do think i really want to quit and that I’ve made the right decision. The thought of feeling free is the only thing keep me going right now.

Try applying cold leaf of white cabbage (thoroughly washed) on the breast (= cold compress). I was recommended that by a midwife (and my Polish grandma used to apply that in my forehead when we had a bad headache) and it worked wonders!! My best friend also tried it in the time of BF crisis and sailed through after.

I have heard of this! Do you know often would I need to apply it the cabbage leaf if I am weaning slowly?

Oh OP really sympathise with you. Sounds awful. Be careful with your plugged duct and dropping feeds. I second PP who advises to contact hospital you gave birth and ask for breastfeeding specialist. Yes you need to see GP if you can't get the blockage cleared. But don't rely on GP, HV or midwife for breastfeeding advice. In my experience too most haven't a clue. What's even worse is they think they do.

Re cabbage - as often as you like. These are not meds so cannot overdose. Cabbage has soothing properties. Re blocked duct other than continuing to feed/ pump, I am not sure. I would watch it, obviously if it's not getting better, you would watch for other symptoms like fever etc. That's when they may give you the antibiotics. I went through that painful phase by continuing to feed.

I'm bf my dc2 now but my experience with dc1 was very much as you are describing! This time round I've discovered hydrogel breast discs and they've healed my sore nipples so quickly!! They're on amazon and if you have prime they'll come on next day delivery.. they'll help with the soreness and healing. BF cafe should also be helpful. I think reducing your supply progressively is definitely wise either with a pump or baby.