Recurring Pain

[Seekrit]

Hi Pinky :)

My baby is nearly 11 weeks, since then I've been getting a pain in the lower outside quarter of my left boob, I imagine it's a plugged duct. When I feel the pain it's time for a hot shower, massage, etc. I feed him twice from that side and the pain will go away.

I generally get the pain if he's had a 'snack' from that boob a few times, or if he drops a feed (or the other day when he was unwell and not eating much)

My question is, is it normal to get the same duct blocked all the time, and what can I do to prevent this occurring.
At the moment I just count my lucky stars that i haven't qound up with mastitis yet.

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Niki,
You are managing your blocked duct really well and your obsevations are right - missing a feed/ snacking and not 'emptying' ( breasts are never competely empty) your breasts will make them more prone to blocked ducts. If it is the same breast position each time, it could be due to this part of the breast not being completely drained or some pressure on this part - is there any tightness from clothing/ pressure from bra on this side? Perhaps the original blockage hasnt completely cleared so is recurring.

Prevention is always best - you could try feeding bub in a different position so he drains your breast more effectively in this patch; Dont restrict feeding ( length or number of feeds); Express after a feed if bub hasn't fed well and your breasts still feel full;get plenty of rest and if your breasts feel lumpy or tender, massage towards the nipple and apply heat - as you mention, under a warm shower, or you could apply a heat pack - wrapped so you dont burn yourself.

Pinky