Blocked duct trying to stop breastfeeding

[RedRuby26]

Am having an issue with a large lump blocked duct in my left breast. I had my baby 11 days ago and my milk didn't come in till day 4. In the hospital he also struggled to latch and still is and we both found it very distressing. I decided to pump and give formula as well when my milk came in. However I just didn't have the time to pump every 2/3hrs as well as clean, sterilise it all and do same for bottles. I was barely getting 1oz after 3 days. I was maybe pumping every 6 hrs if lucky and really hating it and it was making me super anxious and upset. So I decided to formula feed. Am happy to formula feed from now as I suffer from terrible migraines if I don't get enough sleep and I am a terrible sleeper. It takes me over 1 hr to get to sleep and I just can't sleep if its on a tight time frame. Therefore formula is best for my health as can obviously let dad do a feed now and again whilst I sleep. I feel guilty not breastfeeding but I gave my baby a good few days of milk but my mental health has to come first for sake of the baby.

However I have caused myself to get a blockage of milk and mastitis with not pumping enough. I've been on antibiotics for 4 days now (which are making me feel absolutely dreadful) and was told at the hospital to leave my boobs alone now and in a tight sports bra to stop milk production. However the lump is still there and my midwife today has said to apply a warm compress as its going to turn into an absess if not cleared.

So I've done all the tricks like hot shower, comb lots of massages and hot water bottle. I can't hand express so I've been manual pumping on just that side for 10 mins. My issue is how do I clear the blockage without creating more milk and ending up in a vicious circle. I don't know how long or how often I should pump to clear the blockage but to also stop breastmilk production. I can't feel the difference from a let down or if my boobs feel more empty either after pumping to make it worse.

Any advice would be great.

If you've stopped suddenly I'm not sure as the usual advice is to feed whilst massaging the lump.

Wearing a tight sports bra when you have a lump sounds like a recipe for mastitis though.

Is there a BFC you can talk this through with? Maybe one of the BFing Helplines can answer your questions?

Try massaging in front of the blockage whilst in a hot shower

I BF but when I got my blocked duct the advice was “you need to clear it” (very helpful). If it were me I would drain it. And then start easing off the pumping. Warm water can stimulate milk production even though it also helps ease the pain so may not be your friend in your situation.

Don’t feel guilty about not BF or justify your perfectly valid decision. Happy mum = happy baby. Your baby is being fed and FF is way more work with prepping bottles: I think you’re amazing for doing it!

Thanks for the advice been told conflicting info again today from breastfeeding specialist. Midwife and breastfeeding specialist seen me in clinic and told me like the hospital to just leave my boobs alone and just going in vicious circle. Said my milk will dry up and then the blockage will go. Coming to see me on Thursday to see how I get on.

Then my local breastfeeding support group told me to put heat, gentle massage and hand express to get rid of the blockage.

Am terrified its going to turn into an abscess if not cleared but then terrified of making situation worse. Am on antibiotics till Thursday.

I've completely bruised my boob by trying lots of methods to clear it and nothing working. I was pumping every 6 hrs to try get rid of it as can't hand express no matter how I try.