Should I be worried about hard lump on top of boob?

[lolalotta]

Hi, I have been exclusively BF for just over 12 weeks , tonight my right boob feels tender, it was a bit "ouch" when she fed from it before I put her to bed and I have just had an investigate (lol!) and there is a hard lump on the top of it, is this a blocked duct or something? Should I be worried about it developing into something more serious? Any tips for releiving the tenderness? Sorry for all the questions, I would be grateful for any thoughts, TIA!

releiving even!

prob a blocked duct, best thing you can do is feed from it lots. ideally you want her chin pointing towards the blockatge, or as close as possible!
i had a lump on the top right of my boob and managed to get ds3 pointed at it fairly well just by using a rugby ball hold.
but if that doesn't work then it's worth trying feeding with her lying on the bed and you dangling it over her! lol

also, nice warm shower and massage the hard area and try and express some off from it

You might be starting with mastitus - tips that were given to me were to start a feed with that breast, feeding will help although it might hurt a bit, a warm flannel and cabbage leaves in the bra curiously! While feeding gently massage the lump too to help it fully empty. If it doesn't get better in a day or so I'd suggest to go and see your GP. Should pass though!

give it a massage too. warm compress. lots of feeding and some ibuprofen.

if you start feeling properly dodgy (hot/unwell) or pain cranks up you need to see a doctor as mastitis should be treated pronto.

It may be a blocked duct. Try keeping on feeding, a hot compress on it (I did this followed by a cold one though this isn't usually done). A hot shower or bath could be nice too.

Look out for any sudden fever or worsening. That could be the start of mastitis.

You cna find self-help tips for mastitis on the Breastfeeding Network website which you can try for 24 hours. If they don't work, you cna go to the GP.

My blocked ducts cleared perfectly with feeding, compresses and baths.

Another thing I did when I had a lump was to comb the area with a wide tooth comb, towards the nipple whilst I was in the shower.
I had this (it was sort of a square lump)for weeks and weeks and then one day I realised it was gone.

That is supposed to be good too.