Bfing... Tender Spot on One Breast

Hey R.! I love posts on breastfeeding because I was able to nurse my son for a whole year (he just turned one 2 weeks ago so I still miss it!)

I had the same pain that you had SEVERAL times, I even think I had a yeast infection at one point but I nursed him more often and it went away. I went to the doctor a couple times because of the tenderness, and the hardened spot, or a sharp pain in the nipple, I was advised to nurse him more often and make sure he is drinking. It always went away.

When I would pump to help "drain it more" because I thought it was a clogged duct, I seemed to get less milk. So, I quit pumping and just reverted back to nursing more often.

I do know that if you run a fever, or begin to get red spots, and it feels warm over the tender spot, go to a doctor because it could be mastitis. A warm washcloth can help as well.

As far as drying up, when I was weaning, and even still today, I sometimes get a tender spot and I assume its because my body is drying itsself up, so I cannot speak for your situation because I forced the weaning so.. good luck and I hope it works out that you get to keep nursing him, its the BEST!

If you wouldn't have said that you didn't think that it was a plugged duct I would said plugged duct. Try nursing frequently on that side pointing his chin toward the sore area.

Are you massaging it while under the hot water, or while feeding or pumping? It sounds like a clogged duct. I have heard that you need to put the baby's bottom lip in the direction of the tender spot (it helps work out that milk). Also, try to wring yourself empty if possible. Never a bad idea to talk to a lactation consultant either.

My only advice when there's any pain/tenderness associated with the breast is to call your OB/GYN.

In my experience, even mastitis is considered a big deal and was justification enough for me to get an ultrasound to be sure it wasn't something with similar symptoms.

In my case, my medical condition was unrelated to the breast. But, they took it really seriously, and I'm glad they did so I could have peace of mind. Even if it is something common like mastitis, it's an infection that needs antibiotics to be remedied.

Good luck. I hope it resolves itself soon and you're able to resume your nursing.

it sounds like a clogged duct although I know you said it's not. When I have had them in the past it took a few days to a week to get it get all cleared out. I just had my baby nurse a lot on that side, put a heating pad on it every night and I would express as much milk as I could while taking my showers. But if it keeps getting worse or turns red or you start to get a fever then it is mastitis and you need to get meds right away.

I had an issue that sounds the same. It felt like a bruise when I pressed on it, and the only way I got rid of it was to have the baby nurse on that side and press it with a ton of pressure while she was eating. It didn't work with the pump, but after a few times of doing that while she ate, I felt a lot better. Good luck!

It seems like you are trying everything you can. Try massaging that area while your baby nurses or while you pump. It sounds like the milk is not draining properly from that duct and may be just a little bit clogged. If after a day that doesn't help then call your doctor. It may be mastitis and you will need an antibiotic for that. Don't wait too much longer though. And definitely keep breastfeeding. I was able to breastfeed all 3 of mine for a year and it is a wonderful experience and CHEAP!!!