Breastfeeding Question......

Updated on December 10, 2006
T.S. asks from Lexington, KY
8 answers

Ok, this is gonna sound kinda weird. However I am sure someone out there has had or heard of this problem.
I went friday and Saturday of last week running a ton of errands and didn't drink as much fluid as I should have. Starting yesterday (Monday) my left side of my left breast is "backed up". It is swollen and hurts pretty bad. I have increased my fluids tremendously and let my daughter nurse more on that side...which has helped in the past. But it isn't helping now. Any suggestions????

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So What Happened?

Thanks you guys, I figured it was blocked. I've had that happen before. This time it just lasted longer and hurt a bit more. I made a homemade heating pad(a sock filled with beans microwaved for 30 sec) and put that on there and then rubbed it for a bit. I has finally started to go away. Thank goodness. I couldn't move my arm without hurtint.
Thanks again for the advice.

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C.L.

answers from Charleston on

Glad you were able to get it worked out. I've had a few plugged ducts myself as well as a case of mastitis. Definately not fun, but can be overcome.

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B.K.

answers from Charleston on

Maybe you are getting a mastesis? Did you try taking a warm shower and "milking" yourself? I know it sounds funny but I had one after my daughter was born and that is what my OB/GYN told me to try and the swelling and pain went away after that.

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S.D.

answers from Indianapolis on

Try taking a warm bath or shower and massaging your breast from behind the backup. Pumping can help as well. If you get a fever see your doc, it could turn in to mastitis which is really bad.
Good Luck!

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E.S.

answers from Indianapolis on

Possibly a blocked duct? This is pretty common. the breast feels swollen and achy, and there is usually a lump where the blockage is.

Having your daughter nurse more on that side is the most important treatment. Try positioning your baby so that her chin points toward the affected area, which will direct suction toward it.

Hot compresses while nursing (I used the kind you buy from a drugstore, which become hot after you shake them, but you could use a hot washcloth) and massaging the breast, working along the blocked path toward the nipple. A combination of heat and steady pressure on the blocked area while nursing can release the blockage.

Don't wear constricting clothes, especially tight bras. A loose bra is better, or nothing at all if you can. I found that tucking a heating pad inside a loose bra provided some relief.

If the problem persists for more than a few days, or you develop a fever, you should see a doctor. A persistent plugged duct can lead to infection (mastitis) for which you may need antibiotics.

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T.C.

answers from Evansville on

Sounds like plugged duct however that if it is hot to the touch or red it could be a breast infection MASTITIS. That usually needs antibiotics. If nursing more frequently doesnt release it try hand expression to loosed the duct. I had one just recently. it helped to express on the side that was hurt. Of course you can alsways ask your dr what they think as well. Good luck

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C.R.

answers from Louisville on

Hey T.!
Try massaging your breasts starting at the top going down towards the nipple. Also you can try moist heat.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.C.

answers from Lexington on

Put a warm wash cloth on it. Any heat will help. You can stand in the shower. That happened when I was nursing.

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T.H.

answers from Louisville on

I know it has been a week but I was wondering how it went? I kept having that trouble this time and believe it or not a couple of times it was because I was laying on that breast when I slept. I am horrible about keeping myself hydrated. I hope things worked out. If not I am sure you have been to a doctor by now.

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