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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Stopping feeding with blockage-prone boobs

13 replies

Undersnatch · 11/07/2021 10:30

Several months ago, DD who will be 3 in Sept stopped feeding from right boob, saying it tasted yukky. It was always the lesser producer and since we are probably near the end I just thought I’d retire that one and feed only off left, which I know folk do. However, about 6wks ago, after right had not been used for 6wks, I started feeling pain and as if I had a blocked duct. Did all the hot water and massage to eventually clear it, and just continued to not feed off it, but I feel the same happening again now.

I often got blocked ducts and mastitis in early days so I just seem prone - anyone had similar and how do you stop feeding with this? Feels like all the work clearing it got more milk flowing and the cycle just begins again. But I’m afraid to not work the block out as I don’t want mastitis.

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 11/07/2021 11:19

No idea on this one sorry, have you tried calling one of the BFing Helplines?

Original poster
Undersnatch · 11/07/2021 16:57

No I haven’t, do you think they would be any use? I had a previous bad experience when I called for help about blocked ducts and they kind of sent me on my way as my baby was older than a year Hmm

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 11/07/2021 19:16

No I haven’t, do you think they would be any use? I had a previous bad experience when I called for help about blocked ducts and they kind of sent me on my way as my baby was older than a year.

That's really weird. I called the National BFing Helpline when DD was about 2.5 and they couldn't have been more helpful.

Which one did you call?

Original poster
Undersnatch · 11/07/2021 19:41

I think it may have been that one, was about 5yrs ago tho so don’t remember exactly. Feeling a bit bruised still today but not like it’s worsening so hoping just sitting tight for a few days will work and body will dry it up a bit.

OP posts:
BunnyRuddington · 11/07/2021 20:06

I think it may have been that one, was about 5yrs ago tho so don’t remember exactly. Feeling a bit bruised still today but not like it’s worsening so hoping just sitting tight for a few days will work and body will dry it up a bit

Fingers crossed.

Peppallama · 11/07/2021 20:07

Has your DD got lazy with latch? Is she hanging off at an angle like my DS does ?

Is probably feed off it but reduce the feeds do it's a gradual decline rather than cold turkey.

Winter17 · 11/07/2021 20:16

Hi! There is a very good group on Facebook called Breastfeeding Older Babies and Beyond which may be helpful? I've seen a few people with this issue and the mums recommended Sunflower Lecithin for recurrent blocked ducts.

Tickly · 11/07/2021 20:28

Have you tried looking at info on the La Leche League website? They're also doing zoom meetings still so you can get peer to peer support.

Tickly · 11/07/2021 20:29

La lech league have got a Facebook page too - you could try asking there.

Original poster
Undersnatch · 11/07/2021 21:41

Thanks all! Peppa she is a bit like that on the boob I’m using but has absolutely refused to feed off right boob since she started saying it tasted yukky. And when I had the last blocky episode, the milk I was expressing was all thick and congealed after 6weeks in there, can’t imagine it tastes that nice! Did try to encourage her to when I got it all flowing a bit more normally but she tried and maintained it was bad.

And that’s a great shout winter, I did use sunflower lethicin for a long time in the past and think it may have helped - maybe it’d be a good idea to start up just now.

I also did use to go to a la Leche and never found anyone who had the same problems as me - used to get these awful recurrent milk blisters on the nipple associated with blockages. I have no way to know but kind of imagine that there’s some scarring or damage in my ducts from all the bad blockages of the past. Had it a lot less with my second though so a bit frustrating to be back here. Thanks again all of you!

OP posts:
Winter17 · 11/07/2021 22:37

I hope it clears for you soon, blocked ducts are awful! There is bound to be some one in the Facebook group who has had a similar issue, they are a wealth of knowledge! :)

Peppallama · 11/07/2021 22:40

Have you done a bra check? I used to get milk blisters all the time with my DD and I found changing bras helped.

Original poster
Undersnatch · 14/07/2021 19:35

Just a wee update that since yesterday it feels much better after a bit of hand expressing in the shower. Hopefully my body will get the message soon. Didn’t actually have a milk blister this time thankfully- just talking about the past. Thanks for your help everyone Smile

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