3 mth old losing interest in bf, I've got a lump right boob and it wont clear - help

[loucee]

Hi

Can 3 month olds have nursing strikes? It's been a battle to get DS to feed the last couple of days and usually managed to persuade him when he's really tired (whereas we used to feed when he woke up from a nap).

He has one bottle of expressed milk after his bath followed by a bfeed so I didn't think he would prefer bottles but maybe that one bottle a day has put him off me now?

My right boob is really painful, it's got lots of little lumps just under the aerola and a larger lump further down the breast, I've expressed from that side but the lumps haven't gone - any tips?

He's had plenty of wet and dirty nappies today and has seemed himself apart from not eating as much/as often as normal (anyone know how long it takes for them to process the food - is that poo from today's feeds or yesterday perhaps?)

loucee, it might be worth seeing a breastfeeding counsellor
the lumps could be blocked ducts (am no expert in this) and you do need him to be feeding well to clear them (or expressing) in case it turns into mastitis or anything
personally I would ditch the bottle, just in case it is that he is preferring that and see how you go with just offering the breast, ds2 has had a nursing strike at about 8 weeks or so, but think it's because he was ill

hope someone more helpful comes along soon.

thanks FW, I'll try a bf helpline in the morning (although to date i haven't ever had a response from any in my area).

We only introduced the bottle at 6wks because of our experience with DD who refused to take a bottle - I was a bit depressed by it all and felt really down.

I've just expressed from that side but it's still sore and the lumps and bumps are still there, I'll get along to the Dr tomorrow.

there is a good page here on kellymom with suggestions on how to treat as well

thanks FW. have you ever experienced anthing like this? my Drs are clueless when it comes to bfing, do you have any idea how long it will take to clear?

I had v painful blocked ducts recently (have 9 month DD and am trying to wean her to bottle) and searched Mumsnet for help. Found some excellent advice here- what worked for me was taking Ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflamation, and having a very hot bath and using a wide-toothed comb whilst in bath to comb the breast slowly and steadily from outer part towards nipple. I found a lot of milk spurted out in the bath and the pain and engorgement reduced a lot. I also fed DD a lot to reduce the pressure. You might want to check with a GP or pharmacist before having Ibuprofen though since your lo is a lot younger than mine...

Thanks for the link Dragthing.

I cancelled the Dr appointment because it seemed to get a bit better earlier but now it's back witha vengence so I'll try a hot bath tonight when DH gets home.