Is my duct blocked? :(

[MsMummy]

the underside of one of my breasts has been sore since 2am this morning.

It's tender to touch and feels a bit lumpy.

is it a sign of a blocked duct?

I've tried hot water and massaging it and I'm going to sleep without a bra.

Is there anything else I can do?

I've been bf for 5 months and haven't had anything like this.

Is it something that people go to the doctor for?

Thanks in advance.

[bigglet]

Sounds like mastitis especially if you don't get the lumps out.

All I can suggest is keep massaging the lump and massage it towards the nipple. Hot face washes or doing it in the shower can help.

Also encourage your baby to suck more from that side especially where the lumps are.

If it gets worse and you are in pain go to the doctor because it could be mastitis and they will prescibe antibiotics for it.

All the best :hugs:

[bada]

Sounds like it to me.
I was told, when you feed off that breast position the baby so his chin points to the area of hardness, so it drains better.
Use a hot pack to fight off infection (in case it is the start of mastitis). Use it while you are feeding. You could try to sleep with the hot pack on the affected area. I also found expressing in a hot bath/shower helped gradually.
If it gets worse, and particularly if you get a fever/flu like symptoms it probably has progressed to mastitis. I hope it doesn't go there :fingerscrossed: it's no fun at all. If it does get worse, go to your GP, and they may prescribe some antibiotics.
Good luck

[bronny-jane]

ouch, yeah that is a blocked duct...
when your in the shower, use a hard soap, and massage towards the nipple... give your nipple a little squeeze, and see if you can see a small pin sized blister..if you do, pop it:yes:.. i noticed it on mine, after about a day..i was on meds, but once i popped the blister, milk came streaming out, and with in a feed or two all the lumpiness and redness was gone:thumbsup:

[MsMummy]

thanks so much for that! I followed all the advice (massaging etc) and it doesn't hurt much anymore...

BUT I just started feeling a bit light headed and nauseous and my tummy is sore.

But my breast isn't really sore anymore.

Are any of these mastitis symptoms?

I'm hoping it's just something unrelated. I haven't eaten very well this afternoon so it could be that.

I'm just freaking out a bit as I have an unchangable work commitment tomorrow morning, and I can't be sick.

[kezzaskids]

ouch, yeah that is a blocked duct...
when your in the shower, use a hard soap, and massage towards the nipple... give your nipple a little squeeze, and see if you can see a small pin sized blister..if you do, pop it:yes:.. i noticed it on mine, after about a day..i was on meds, but once i popped the blister, milk came streaming out, and with in a feed or two all the lumpiness and redness was gone:thumbsup:

I get milk drops like a little blister on top of my right nipple area at most feeds...... is this bad??

[JabberJaw]

Mastitis give you flu like symptoms...aches and pains in joints, fever etc.

Its good you have got the lumps out.

My bit of advice is sleep IN yr bra, any tiny bump to yr breast can cause mastitis, so its best to keep breasts well supported, you could pop some cabbage leaves in yr bra too, i always put them in the freezer for a bit first. It also works for mastitis/blocked ducts.

As others have said, aim bub to the lump!

[MsMummy]

My bit of advice is sleep IN yr bra, any tiny bump to yr breast can cause mastitis, so its best to keep breasts well supported

oh no! I've been doing the opposite! After months of sleeping with my bra on, I took it off last night (not because of any sound advice or anything - just my own wacky theory that "going free" would help them :)).

I don't feel fluey, so hopefully the blocked duct is cleared and there's no infection.

[JabberJaw]

LOL, yes, i know you feel like it will be better if everything is hanging 'free' but really it is quite the opposite!

I have had mastitis more times than i can count (4 kids all B/F) and keeping my bra on has proved excellent advice. This time round i splurged out on proper bra shop fitted maternity bras, not just Target ones and the difference is incredible, i have only had mastitis the day before i gave birth :eek:, yep i even get it while pregnant!

Hopefully lacking the aches and pains means you wont get mastitis, usually mastitis occurs if you cant get the lump out in time and the blocked bit get an infection :fingerscrossed:

[MsMummy]

Thanks for that! I really really really don't want mastitis, and the lump is gone, and I'm feeling better so hopefully all is good.

[bronny-jane]

I get milk drops like a little blister on top of my right nipple area at most feeds...... is this bad??

i dont have a clue.. but if its not causing any problems, i'd say its fine:)