Sore breasts

[llareggub]

I hope someone can shed some light on this.

DS2 is 14 months or so. Recently he started biting my nipple hard when feeding, then giggling hysterically. I dealt with this by ignoring and taking him off the breast each time. The last time it happened the pain was incredibly intense and I don't think I've ever experienced such pain, childbirth excluded! This was about a week or so ago.

My nipple is still sore. Even putting my top on this morning was painful. The actual material touching it caused brief pain. I've noticed an occasional dull ache in my breasts too.

I've been breastfeeding for over 3.5 years now and tandem-fed for a while, and I've never experienced anything like this.

Its odd. I can't see any bruising or anything like that. I'm only feeding twice a day now as I am in work so there is time between feeds or healing to take place. Any thoughts? I'm starting to think it might be time to give up and I don't really want to!

Well you could have a blocked duct,from swelling or bruising in the nipple, or your nipple might just need a bit longer to recover,they are sensitive after all,and it sounds as though he bit down very hard and so he would have done some damage.(friend's son bit so hard she bled,and it was pretty painful for several weeks). Could you get your GP to take a look? Sounds to me as though the nipple got quite crushed and needs to heal.I am wincing on your behalf!

I could go to the GP but there really isn't anything to see! The breast tenderness is inside and the other one feels tender too. What does a blocked duct feel like?

Thanks for the help. Certainly food for thought!

Well when I first had a blocked duct there was a tender area that hurt when pressed and was hard,I could see the lump.But when I had one recently it must have been deep within the breast as the breast was very tender and it hurt if I held dd close or she bumped against me.Can happen if you've been feeding a bit less or you are very tired and a bit run down.My GP could feel the blocked area but I couldn't.It cleared but stayed slightly tender,I have a small cyst there,possibly caused by the block. You could ask for an ultrasound,that would give a clear idea of whats going on if it continues.I've been bf for ages too,my dd is three ,and I was a bit surprised to get a blocked duct now.

Well, weirdly it is all absolutely fine today. Last night, after posting, I came over all shivery and tired so took myself off to bed. I dozed for a bit and woke up with an obvious lump on my breast, and the most engorged feeling ever. I took myself off to the bath and expressed and expressed until the pain eased. DS2 then woke up and fed for an age, and when I woke up this morning I am back to normal. Very odd indeed. Maybe it was a blocked duct after all.

Thanks for your help.

Yes that sounds classic for a blocked duct,the shivery feeling is caused by milk proteins leaking into the surrounding tissues and getting attacked by your imune system.The obvious lump would be the block,and backed up milk,and a long feed or expressing then a long feed,will usually clear it.Glad you are ok now!