Any tips for blocked milk duct? Ouch!

[Jackstini]

Had for 2 weeks now.
Doc has given anti bs as lump was very red/purple and hot. Colour gone down slightly but still painful, even though I am on diclofenac and paracetemol.
Have so far tried:
Continuing to feed off affected breast more often
Cold cabbage leaves
Hot flannels/hot shower/hot bath
Massaging during feeding
Expressing

Anyone got any other tips to try or any experience of how long it will take to clear?
(ds is 5 wks old, also won't come off nipple shields - used when nips were bleeding. Never had any probs with bfing dd) Thanks

When I had a blocked duct I was advised by LaLeche to put olive oil soaked cotton wool in my bra to try and dissolve the fat that builds up and also to check for white spots on my nipple. If there were white spots I had to try and 'pop' them in a hot shower/bath. It did work and I haven't had any since then and DS is nearly 7 months.

Are you feeding in the same position all the time?

It might be worth trying dangle feeding. This is where you put the baby on, say, the bed and kneel over him. You can then manoever yourself around so that you have fed all the way round 360 degrees IYSWIM. I am not sure how this would work with nipple shields though.

I did this with my ds, and I remember him fussing when we got to a certain bit, and I am sure it is because there was no milk coming out for him, which meant he was at the blocked bit. He eventually managed to unblock it.

Have you read Kellymom.com?

combing towards the nipple with a wide toothed comb or even fingers can help (while feeding) I found nipple shields seemed to agravate blocked ducts by making it harder for the baby to drain them,maybe try feeding without? there is also a homoeopathic remedy phytolacca take at 200c potency,three doses over a day,not for any longer.you can get it from any of the homoeopathic pharmacies (Goulds on Crowndale rd,Ainsworths on New cavendish st,both london,they will post)Good luck.

Thanks all - will try all these and see how I go

Any improvement Jackstini?

Hi Mawbroon - not really, no Thanks for asking though, I do feel better with encouragement.
I tried the dangle feeding last night and he did fuss when his bottom lip was near the blockage, will keep having a go at this.
Had the olive oil soaked cotton wool in my bra for 6-7 hours today (not sure if this is long enough - Hedgehog?) but didn't get any white spots.
Is still hot and red and def not getting smaller - maybe even bigger. Was 2 hours later taking painkillers today and could really feel it.
Doc had referred me to breast clinic on Friday but not heard anything yet. I have got my 6 week check on Wed so can bring it up again.
Tried again to wean off the shields but ds is having none of it. Still feeding on that side although a bit toe curling.
Helly - have been combing and my Mum has an alternative pharmacy/therapy shop near her so she will check tomorrow for the Phytolacca as I am seeing her on Wed pm
If anyone knows any other tips or got advice let me know. Really want to continue bfing for as long as possible. Thanks

Also does anyone know if you can put ibuprofen gel on the sore part of the breast?

Bump.
Have tried hour in hot bath. Expressed so much milk boob is deflated with lump sticking out.
Any more tips?

The Breast Nurse gel pads helped me as they're easy to fit into your bra to use both for warmth before feeding and cold afterwards.