Pain after feeds

[the_queen]

Breastfeeding has been a breeze with my nearly-5 month old son. The only issue I have is that after a feed, sometimes I get extremely bad stabbing pains in the breast I've just fed from. Is this because he hasn't drained the breast properly? I usually let him stay on until he comes off by himself, so I always assume that the breast is drained. But when I get the pain I can also feel little lumps where the pain is. So perhaps I have a blockage? It isn't causing any issues with him, but it's just annoying and painful for me.

[Pinky McKay]

Dear Queen,

It's great that you are doing so well with breastfeeding.

Any time our bodies feel pain it is a signal to be kind to ourselves and check what is going on. To make a 'daignosis' without seeing/ taking a history would be crossing an ethical line here - sorry. There could be a variety of reasons for your pain - from a blocked duct to an infection or possibly candida ( thrush) in breast ducts.

It would be wise to check with a GP and have a breast exam - depending on your confidence about your own health carers interest in breastfeeding women you may prefer a breastfeeding specialist. There are some GPs who are also lactation consultants - see the ALCA (Australian Lactation Consultants Association) website to find somebody located near you.

Pinky