2 blocked ducts -- OUCH

[mookickkick]

Hello, I would like to hear other people's experience re: blocked ducts. Please?! Just coming out of 12-wk growth spurt (I think) so supply has outstripped demand.

Yesterday I had three hard lumps on the left side, which fortunately went down to two during a feed. However, two remain and are very very VERY painful. I've tried everything: hot water, massaging, combing, rubbing, expressing with pump, getting DH to suck (!) using a different position. DD has has several goes but nothing changes.

In the past, these things have cleared up within 12 hours. I'm getting concerned that it might lead to an infection or worse. Is it normal for ducts to be blocked for long? In other words, should I stop stressing and just continue with what I am doing? Thanks for any help!

Anyone??

No, its not usual for ducts to be blocked for long and you do need to keep trying to shift them. I don't think there's any precise time limit, though, so try not to get too stressed just yet.

Have you seen this thread? There were a whole host of suggestions on how to clear and prevent blocked ducts. It looks like you've tried quite a few, but I think there are a couple more. Another one that may or may not be on that page link, but can you go bra-less for a while - just to remove any pressure?

This isn't meant to frighten you but it is worth knowing and keeping in mind the symptoms of mastitis as blocked ducts can lead to this if not resolved. This page on kellymom has lots of info on the difference between the two and ways of treating them.

If you don't shift them soon and/or symptoms get worse, its worth talking to your Dr and/or a breastfeeding support line (especially if your Dr is not experienced with BF), the numbers for which are listed here.

Fingers crossed you get things moving soon

Thanks Tangle. My searching didn't go far enough back in time. Will try olive oil first!

Glad there were some new ideas for you . How are you feeling today?

This morning was the same, despite a long hot shower (which only resulted in leaking boobs). So I wasn't holding out much hope BUT somehow I lay down on my left side for a nap first nap in weeks with a cushion squished up against the blocked side and my breast was soft when I woke up!!! Of course, DD had a suck before our nap, but I was still hard after that. Probably a combination of lots of things. In any case, I am very relieved.

Thanks for your help. I felt much better knowing someone was listening!

Hi there, good to hear that they've unblocked! It might be worth trying lecithin supplements to keep them clear. I had recurrent blocked ducts early on, which seemed to be as a result of oversupply. I started taking lecithin (three 1200mg capsules per day, from Holland & Barrett. -they're recommended on the kellymom website & a breastfeeding textbook by Riordan as a treatment for recurrent blocked ducts). The problem completely went away for several weeks. Last week I ran out of lecithin capsules & within a few days I had blocked ducts again & was in loads of pain. Less than 24 hours after I started taking lecithin again, it was all fine.

Really pleased things have eased up and you're comfortable again

I used to retire to bed with ds when I had blocked ducts and he managed to clear them for me without fail.

Too tight a bra and sleeping on my side were the culprits I think. Do you know what is causing yours mookickkick? Might be helpful if you can find out why so you can maybe prevent them recurring.