I think I have a blocked duct - do I really need to rest?!

[TheProvincialLady]

It came on suddenly last night, just behind my left nipple and very painful - like broken glass on fire in there So I got The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding out and it said to apply heat, feed as much as possible and rest. Even to go to bed. Is that right? I used to get blocked ducts often when I was exclusively expressing for DS1 but always near my armpit and never as painful as this. I never rested then and I don't see how I am going to manage if I get them often again and need to rest when I have a toddler and a newborn

So, is the rest part essential?

No, not essential. Being run down can increse the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis though. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help with the pain. You could try massaging the affected area and hand expressing too. Hope it clears soon for you.

hi pl

i have been meaning to seek you out and congratulate you on the birth of your ds, my dd's birthday mate . did you get over your flu before he came?

are you sure you have a blocked duct? your description sounds abit like thrush. thrush feels like having broken glass in your nipple. Also a shooting pain away from the nipple can indicate thrush.

if it is thrush you can cure it with cream rather than rest (which i appreciate is a fantasy with a toddler and newborn).

Thanks for that grendle, I am glad to know that I will get over it without rest - though DH is still on paternity leave so actually I am resting. I think I am a bit run down though, so it makes sense what you say about being more prone to them.

Artichokes - thanks for the congratulations I didn't get completely over the virus and had to plan my coughs to come in between contractions As it happens I have thrush and have been treating it anyway. I have had 3 lots of antibiotics since DS was born so it is hardly surprising that I got it. I do think the blocked duct is an extra bonus but it seems to be clearing slowly.

How is the feeding going for you now? My DS is still very sleepy and only feeds every 3 hours for about 5-8 minutes, which worried the hell out of me but he put on well over a pound last week so I guess he knows what he is doing!