blocked duct and engorgement pain - advice please

[lindso]

Hi

DD2 is almost two weeks and we have been struggling with bad latching, cracked nipples, constant feeding etc. Now I also have a very tender swelling right next to my left nipple and when she latches on it really bloody hurts! I'm applying hot compresses before, during and after feeding and having two very hot baths per day - but wonder if i should be applying something cold instead? The heat does seem to help,but not sure if this is compounding the constant very uncomfortable tingling I have in my nipples - is this let down? It happens when she hasn't fed for a couple of hours and makes my breasts really sensitive.

I'm assuming I should continue to feed off the breast with the swelling to prevent engorgement but how long does a blocked duct last for - seeing a doctor on Monday.

Should I express? Thought of letting my electric machine near my nipples at the moment fills me with dread - but so does the thought of feeding her again.

We've had a few all night feeding sessions since she was born - my first daughter didn't do this - has she built up my supply so much that I have too much and getting engorged?

Any advice gratefully received.

First, congratulations on the birth of your baby.

It sounds like you've had a rough two weeks. You say you've had bad latch and cracked nipples. Have you met up with a breastfeeding professional and got some help with latch? Bad latch could cause all the problems you are talking about.

The engorgement - yes, maybe expressing would help. Feeding with your daughter's chin at the lump might help.

It's really hard work in the beginning.

I found the advice on Kellymom really helpful.

I also found my local La Leche contact a fabulous source of support and advice over the phone, it always seemed to be at weekends that the problems strike.

Ibuprofen (max doses for 24 hours if your stomach is ok with it) for the pain and inflammation of blocked ducts was great, plus frequent feeding and hot baths.
All of my (many ) blocked ducts resolved with these measures alone, mostly within 24 hours and a couple of stubborn ones later on when DS was 12 months+ which lasted a few days.

In retrospect, I wonder if the electric pumping I did in the early days caused some of my problems and think if I have another I would let the newborn dictate the supply and demand for at least the 1st 8-10 weeks.

I certainly think it would be worth seeing a breastfeeding counsellor to check your latch and give advice and support. Sadly IME the Drs I saw weren't very helpful, I don't think they have any specific training in bf.

Hope your problems resolve very soon and you and DD2 can enjoy bf