Recurring blocked milk ducts
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Topic: Recurring blocked milk ducts
Posted By: josephnia
Subject: Recurring blocked milk ducts
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 11:06am
Over the last 2 weeks I've had blocked milk ducts 3 times in my right breast and once in my left  They become lumpy (always in the same places) and sore and I don't think Blake can feed as well from them. It goes away after a day or two but is quite painful and makes me feel down and I don't enjoy feeding. I've tried hot showers, massage, heat packs and expressing after feeds but it keeps happening. Both my doctor and plunket nurse can't suggest anything but what I'm doing already - does anyone have any suggestions? -------------  
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Replies:
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 11:13am
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Jo I found the best way to clear blocked ducts is latch your child onto the lumpy breast with their chin towards the lump so that as that suck the chin massages the lump while their suckling draws out the milk. My blockages were always above the nipple and often towards the cleavage so I would lie against pillows and DH would help me place Michaela on my chest with her head pointed towards my waist and her legs over my shoulder so her chin was right on the lump. It worked wonders! Good luck! I know how sore it can be. Make sure you monitor your temp too because the minute you get feverish you've developed mastitis and you have to get to your docs and get some antibiotics. -------------  
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Posted By: josephnia
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 11:25am
Thanks  My lumps are always under the breast and in my cleavage, they get so sore that I can hardly hold Blake on that side to wind him. How long did you get them for? He's 8 weeks now and I want to keep b/f so I really hope it calms down soon.-------------
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Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 11:32am
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I think they were worse around 8-10 weeks (when my milk had come in full force but Michaela wasn't feeding as much anymore). I fed Michaela until she was 15mo. The important thing is to find the best way to clear the blocks, once you can do that you won't be in pain anymore.
IMO babies are the best thing ever for getting milk out of breasts so if you can get him positioned to massage the lump and suck at the same time he will clear the block for you. You can also massage the lump while he suckles if this is easier for you. It might take a couple of feeds and initially it will hurt as he rubs the lump. Also remember to express off the otherside too to ensure that side doesn't get engorged. -------------
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 12:07pm
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if you cant get babys chin to massage them just massage the lumps yourself when bub is feeding... just using the ball of your thumb should do - i know its painful but it will help. also hand expressing in the shower... ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: first
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 12:38pm
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I have no experience of this but my friend was having a similiar problem and plunket suggested she get her bra's checked for the correct fitting. Once she got new bra's she stopped having the problem. So maybe you could get fitted just to make sure that's not the cause.
Hope it gets better for you. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://pregnancy.baby-gaga.com/"> 
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Posted By: myfullhouse
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 1:36pm
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I had mastitis (sp??) twice, the first time I went to hospital for a few nights to get my temp down. the midwives at the hosp. also suggested trying to get Jack's chin over the lump while feeding. Otherwise try and put your thumb on the lump and try and massage it while you feed, but rub/massage as he sucks and stp when he does. I know it hurts but it is best to try and perservere. I found that I got the mastitis when I was run down so try and rest as much as possible (sometimes easier to say than do!). I also took vit C to help if any infection or temp set in, my midwife tole me to take 1000c strength (Ithink that's what it was ,anyway really strong vit C).
Good luck ------------- Lindsey 
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Posted By: MonicaMouse
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 4:25pm
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Yes I had this problem too, generally the same side everytime and I would blister as well as we would then latch incorrectly sometimes and it hurt like......to feed. I'm lucky that I've only had 2 in the last 3 months. I would often try the shower and massage thing before a feed, or alternatively sit there with a as hot as you can handle flannel on to soften up the area - and in my case break the blister to relieve the pressure. I know the relief from sucking that blockage out is great so definately the advise from the other mums. I would get the block in the quadrant closest to my arm pit so a little harder to angle. Now days I always feed that side first - and roughly time how long he feeds (10 mins now) and then he gets the other side and it seems to have helped.
Oh and I would often take pain killers if I was so sore that I would cringe holding him against me often 10 - 15 minutes before a feed ------------- 
Blair 15/10/2007 Daniel 30/07/2009 |
Posted By: josephnia
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 6:23pm
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Thanks everyone I just got a call from my plunket nurse and she rang the parents centre for me and spoke to a lactation specialist who suggested I go in and see them. I went for a long walk today and it's definitely better, who knows if that's what helped but at least it's getting better.
first- I'll definitely go get fitted properly, I have a feeling my bras aren't the best and it's good to know that's what the problem might be. -------------
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