Problems with Nursing My 9 Month Old

OUCH!!! I finally overcame all my nursing issues - from infections and plugged ducts to figety boy - by buying a very high quality pump and pumping only. As it turns out, when they start to eat solids their mouths produce too much yeast and I was getting infections from that. I was on four different antibiotics over three months before I was comfortably able to pump enough milk again and OOOHH!!! the pain.

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I would definatley go see your doctor or midwife, ideally someone who is very familiar iwth breastfeeding. Also there is a phenomonon/syndrome called Raynaud's. It is when there is poor circulation in the fingers and toes so when they get cold or compressed the tips turn white and you get shooting pains. It can also happen in the breasts either from them getting cold or compressed too much while breastfeeding. I get it when I am nursing and pregnant. Two things to look for are when the pain happens is the tip of your nipple white and does heat from a hair dryer on low ease the pain. I was originally thought to have a yeast infection and treated myself and my toddler fro over a month before getting the right diagnosis. There is a medication that you can take that is supposed to help but I found just working with my daughter to change her suck and using a hair dryer as needed helped a lot.

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Did you ever find out what cause the sharp pain? I heard through a lactation consultant that the pain is cause when the baby has a good latched and is getting and working hard to get the milk.

It sounds like you may have Mastitis. I had the same symptoms with my son. They gave me antibiotics. Also, try taking a shower and rub out the clogged duct, it hurts but you need to do it. Hope this helps.

Hi! It probably is thrush. I had it and it is EXTREMELY painful. The cream never worked for me, either, I finally had to take an oral medication. Perhaps the thrush and clogged ducts are related? One other thing, they DO get distracted around this age. My son would literally pop off my nipple every few seconds, which hurt like crazy! I think I gave him a few chances and then said forget it! I figured he'd concentrate more on eating if he were truly hungry. But, you have to remember, they're easily distracted because they are so busy learning. With my next one, I might invest in a breastfeeding necklace to at least keep his attention focused and keep facing me!

I wanted to "second" lecithin as helpful for keeping ducts unplugged, and "second" kellymom as a great resource for breastfeeding. I have recurrent issues with plugged ducts, particularly in one of my nipples due to thick milk, and have found that lecithin helps a lot. My program is to take it twice per day (once in the morning, once at lunch time). I also drink tons of water -- it is said that this doesn't affect breastmilk all that much, but I find that the milk is thinner (and therefore less clumpy) when I drink enough water.

Also if you feel a plug coming on, a hot wet washcloth (as hot as you can stand!) on the affected breast before feeding or pumping can help a lot. The last suggestion I would make would be to consider breaking up that 10 hour stretch with a feeding or pump, especially if that's when you experience the pain.

Hi A.,

I'm sorry you are having terrible pains. I also had some issues when my son was younger. I went to see a Lactation Consultant. If you are in the East bay, you can go to a free Breast is Best class at John Muir Women's Center (Wed from 10-12 I think). The class is led by a lactation consultant. They helped me the most when I was going through similar issues. Good luck and I hope some of these suggestions help!

S.

Hi A.,

My advice would be to pump a little bit after or between feedings. That sharp pain you described doesn't sound like anything to do with thrush (yeast on the outside) as much as being engorged with milk (inside). Expecailly since it only happens when she hasn't nursed in a while. Try pumping a little before you go to bed and sleep in a sports bra. It sounds like your body is just taking a bit to adjust to your daughters decreased interest.

She's still young, so keeping the extra milk can't hurt. You can mix it in her oatmeal or whatever.

Hope this helps,

T.

Possibly try putting very warm wash cloths on your breasts to keep the ducts open. Or maybe try expressing a little breastmilk manually from each after she is done eating. It's normal for your infant to start becoming distracted at that age.
It worries me that you're taking medication and giving your daughter medication when your doctor/ped only THINKS that it might be thrush. Get another opinion on that one. You'd be able to see some of the white yeast like substance in her mouth.

you need to see a doctor.try milking yourself so 10 hours doesn't go by with her not feeding.after 9 months breastmilk is not needed-it's only emotional psychological comforting.the milk produced loses the immune properties i think.

My lactaction consultant suggested going to a health food store for the supplement Lecithin. It comes in a pill or power form (harder to find the powder) and it helps with clogged ducts! A great resource for clogged ducts and mastitis is kellymom.com.

Good luck to you!
D.

Hello I think I had this same problem. My daughter is now 13 months but anyways I used a breast pump. I think maybe you fill up too much and your not emptying them often enough. You should try breast feeding her more frequently because 10 hours is a very long stretch. Even during the night get up and feed her or like I do lay her next to you. My daughter was distracted also. Make sure the room is quiet. If you are feeding her solids maybe she is'nt as hungry for breastmilk so just pump it out instead. It takes some getting used to but it definately helped me. I hope this helps you!!!

Dear A.,
I have suffered like that many times. I don't know what causes the plugged ducts but I know a home remedy. Take 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Mix in water if you have to, it tastes terrible and can gag you. But it works. YOu may have to do it twice or three times. Best wishes.
By God's Grace,
Stac

Hi A.,
I'm definitely not a medical expert and can't tell you exactly what's going on. But I can pass along some wisdom that my lactation consultant shared with me when I was having problem with plugged ducts and some pain. She suggested getting on a vitamin regimen of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Soy Lecithin. Unfortunately, I don't remember how many milligrams of each she suggested. But I do know that once I got on this regimen and stayed on it the whole two years I was nursing, I never had another problem with plugged ducts or pain again.

Good luck!

You could have mastitis. The wiggling around during nursing is normal. Pump and give her sippy cups or bottles and save up the extra milk in the freezer. Your ducts are getting clogged with little chunks of fat that aren't getting flushed out like before because she isn't nursing as much or as intently as before. Pump pump pump and drink lots of fluids. I know pumping is a gigantic drag but you'll get some relief. Add hot compresses to the sore area while you pump and things might loosen up quicker - massage the area too.

Definitely see a Dr. - if it's mastitis you'll need antibiotics.