My friend asked if I would post this as she didn't want to sign up but I have emailed her a link to this thread.
My friend is exclusively breastfeeding her 6.5 month old DS (with some solids) and has developed a painful lump in one breast. When her DS feeds from that side, he does not seem satisfied and always ends up finishing the feed on the opposite side. She is trying to feed more from the painful breast to help move the blockage along, but he seems to prefer the other side. She said it feels like a bruise.
We have given her some suggestions to try using a hot flannel and massaging the lump as she feeds. She also has the number of an NCT breastfeeding counsellor. I also suggested she try feeding her DS in the bath which she said she might try. She can't express and her DS won't take a bottle at all anyway (which is a whole other thread!)
I just wondered if you ladies had any more advice, really. She has spoken to the GP who just said to keep an eye on it. She doesn't feel unwell though. The other thing I wasn't sure about is that she is worried that if there is a blockage on that side, her DS might not be getting as much milk which is why he seems to prefer the other side - do you know if this is likely?