Blebs / milk blisters

[Ohmyzebra]

My baby isn’t an infant! But I didn’t know where else to post. Is there a breastfeeding board?

Anyway, like the title says. Blebs. I’m having big problems with recurring blebs. They go, but always seem to come back. Especially with teething / colds. I wanted to carry on feeding for a good while longer (currently 18 months) but this is driving me crazy and I’m thinking of stopping.

I’ve tried everything I can think of / google. But posting this in a last ditch attempt to get something new to try before I give up completely.

I got brilliant advice about this from my local la leche league consultant. I've never spoken to someone more knowledgeable about breastfeeding.

I shamefully can't remember much of what she said (was a while ago) but it worked. Definitely try calling them.

Just here to give you sisterhood - I'm at very nearly three years and blebs are really the only issue we've had since those first few days. It feels like you nipple's being shut in a car door while they feed.

My sympathies are with you, and well done for keeping on going.

I only ever got advice on how to treat them - coconut oil, heat pads and not wearing a bra all helped but on every one I needed the baby to suck it out. Disgusting really but true.

Good luck, and LLL at not be a bad shout as PP suggested.

Thanks @pinguwings & @SlidesAndLadders will definitely try LLL.
I haven’t tried coconut oil - so that’s a great shout too.
It’s miserable. I really want to keep feeding, but I’m so over this ☹️

Not advice, a warning of what NOT to do...

I read somewhere (possibly fb breastfeeding group) that if baby/toddler/pump couldn't suck it clear, you could sterilise a needle and pop it. DON'T!!!!!!

@MarjorieBouvier I have actually used a needle once when it was really bad. It pierced the bleb & I was then able to pump out the blockage. Grim & silly!
It’s the only one that hasn’t come back tho! All the others keep never fully healing.
I’m feeling shit tonight & my boob is really sore. Worried I’ve got mastitis on the way 😭

Common advice to pop it with a sterile needle in my circles.

I’d also give the area a little scrub with a flannel every shower to try and stop them developing in the first place. Have you got a Hakaa? Hot water and epsom salt pretty full in the bulb and then make sure the nipple is in the water and get some suction in.

I’ve also read about steroid cream being used to shift really difficult ones. A chat with a good dr might be a good idea.

Then chat with LLL to work out why your getting them, perhaps the latch isn’t great?

Did I just manage to mess it up then?🤣 Whoops! Maybe I was too over zealous with the needle. I was in agony every feed for a good month after. Or at least felt like it! (Probably days/weeks)

@Wobbitcatcher my current routine involves dipping in a jug of warm water & Epsom salts for each feed & pumping a bit to make sure the milk is flowing. It really helps. But I always end up back at square one as soon as I stop.
I think it is probably the latch. He’s had so many colds and all his teeth through in a short space of time.
Will definitely try calling LLL. Hadn’t thought about my GP, so also something to consider.

Rally appreciate everyone sharing their experiences. Thanks.

That sounds painful @MarjorieBouvier. Ouch!