Painful lump near nipple

[moaningminniewhingesagain]

I've got a tiny but very tender lump on the areola, just by my nipple. It just appeared today and really hurts when I'm feeding, and is tender even when I'm not.

I think it's this but has become inflamed. Should I do anything to it? Or will it settle down? Thanks!

Sounds like a blocked gland, apply some heat to it maybe, hot facecloth or similar.

Try feeding on that breast often with baby's chin pointing towards the lump. This will help remove the milk. If you start feeling like you're coming down with a flu you might be developing mastitis and should see your gp.

Will give that a try, thanks. Have been really lucky so far, DS is 15mo and not has any blocked ducts or mastitis or anything - can't believe how painful such a tiny lump is

I had this just recently (and after 20 months of problem-free b/fing) - yes, it sounds like a blocked duct. I switched from my usual cradle-hold, which was agonising, to a rugby hold, which took the pressure off a bit during feeds, and just stuck with it. It took a few days, but the important thing is to keep on feeding as closely to your normal routine as possible, otherwise a blocked duct might escalate into mastitis, I believe. Hope you feel better soon.

I'm not sure how to try a rugby hold with an older baby! I usually either lie him across my lap, or he stands up between my legs while I am sitting on the sofa, or he will sit upright to feed but then it's tricky getting the breast within his reach because he is fairly big and chunky and I am very short

Will do some gymnastics experimenting tomorrow. Suppose I might have triggered it by feeding a bit less the last few days then? I have been at work most of the easter weekend and only fed him twice on Sunday as he was out visiting with DH

Yes, I think I triggered mine by missing a few feeds, too. DD is a big chunky girl - I got her in the rugby hold by sitting on the bed - feet on the floor and with plenty of space behind and to the side of me and positioned DD with head on my lap, body and legs pointing away from me, but I guess it depends on where your blockage is. I was just trying to get her at a completely different angle to usual, to ease the pressure, and it helped me through it. Keep up the feeding - perhaps lots of little ones?

Thanks for the replies, it is a bit less sore this morning so hopefully not getting worse at least