Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Dropping breastfeeds but problems with blocked ducts - any advice

1 reply

dodders · 01/05/2010 12:43

DS is 8.5 months. I am returning to work next week, so have gradually replaced his daytime feeds with formula. I am now breastfeeding just twice a day (before breakfast and before bedtime) and have been for several weeks (since about Easter). However, I keep getting blockages (the breast tissue goes really hardy and lumpy, it's tender to touch and feeding gets really painful, but there is no white spot on the nipple). It first happened on the left side a fortnight ago and my doctor prescribed antibiotics. Now, it's the right side, I've got a mild infection and am back on the antibiotics again. The first doctor told me not to express as we don't want to encourage more supply, but this doctor told me to express to clear the blockage. Am confused as to what I should be doing both to temporarily clear the blockage and also longer term to stop it happening again. I'd ideally like to keep up the morning/evening feeds for another couple of months, but can't face carrying on if I keep getting infections. I have read things about lecithin and sage tea to help with blockages/reducing supply. Has anyone tried them? Any advice would be gratefully appreciated thanks!

OP posts:
NotQuiteCockney · 01/05/2010 18:57

Ok, this is a pretty common side effect of cutting down feeds. If you can, when you feed your DS, can you feed him with his chin to the lump? This will often clear blockages, and you won't need ABs as long as you haven't got to the feverish/ill stage of a lump.

I would recommend that in future you ensure you reduce feeds v v slowly - one feed removed per week or less. And always watch out for lumps.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread