clogged duct concern, Eta it was a blister!

[zarapipe]

When are they concerning? I've had one since yesterday am. I'm nursing like crazy on that side, rubbing it while nursing, cow nursed this morn and it's still there. Is huge, half of my right breast. We've been traveling but as soon as we get to our destination I'm getting a rice sock warm thingy and putting that on my boobs then nursing.

Anything else?

eta, After inspecting the nipple it was a blister. I took the longest shower and it still wouldn't pop so I pinched real hard and milk went spraying ever. I feel so much better!

[iamgrace]

Hot shower or bath and massage massage massage.

[VillainV]

I've had some that can't easily be cleared, get very painful, and very quickly turn into mastitis (red and streaky breast, flu-ish symptoms). Those suck, but antibiotics make it a million times better within a few hours. Clearing the clog is always the first step, and I've only been able to do that with the baby (the pump never quite does it).

If it's not too painful, then you're probably fine. Just focus on feeding from that side and clearing any clog before it gets too bad. Dangle feeding works great for me.

[pinotgrig]

I was diagnosed with mastitis on Friday. VillainV is right that the antibiotics help so quickly. I never had flu-like symotoms, so I wouldn't wait on that to show up.

Is it red? If it's half your breast, I would start to be more concerned. My red area was 6cm and she acted like that was large. It was maybe 1/4 of my breast. Can you feel a clog? My doc said she was feeling for something ropey.

I hope you feel better soon. Boob pain is so awful.

[pinotgrig]

Sort of related, but I've not been able to find the answer - how are clogged ducts and mastitis related? I get that they generally are, but do all clogged ducts turn into mastitis? Or just a percentage?

Also, are engorgement and mastitis related?

[ssmjlm]

Just keep feeding. If you can get to GNC for lethicin.

pinotgrig I suffered from constant plugged ducts and never had mastitis. I do think engorgement and plugged ducts are related.

Lecithin was a lifesaver for me. I took 4 pills a day for months to keep them at bay, about every 2 days. Eventually they went to weekly and by 6m they finally subsided. I took one pill a day until a year when I ran out. Thankfully when we weaned at 14m I didn't have any issues.

[mannah]

Dec 21, 2014 19:54:12 GMT -5 pinotgrig said:

Sort of related, but I've not been able to find the answer - how are clogged ducts and mastitis related? I get that they generally are, but do all clogged ducts turn into mastitis? Or just a percentage?

Also, are engorgement and mastitis related?

Mastitis is an infection of the duct which is more likely to happen the longer the milk sits in the ducts without clearing out. It becomes full inflamed and bacteria have a chance to fester and grow. Similar to how not emptying your bladder frequently enough can lead to UTIs. Engorgement can be harmless or can also lead to problems since the boob is full of milk for an extended period just like with a clogged duct.

[purrbox]

Ibuprofen also helps me tremendously. Reduces inflammation which helps clear the duct.

[linz]

Take a hot shower and nurse or pump right after. That does it for me. I've also soaked my boob in a bowl of hot water and milk pours right out.

[zarapipe]

Dec 21, 2014 20:31:50 GMT -5 linz said:

Take a hot shower and nurse or pump right after. That does it for me. I've also soaked my boob in a bowl of hot water and milk pours right out.

Shower or boob soak? What do you suggest. I heated the hell out if it, nursed and pumped and is barely better. One more try and then I'm going to bed!

[linz]

Soak works better bc I feel like I can use hotter water and let it sit. I use a manual pump after to get all the milk and massage.

[oceanstbride]

A combo of using a wide tooth comb in the shower, moist heat (rice sock) right before nursing, trying to nurse more frequently, and dangle feeding usually got a clogged duct out in a day or two for me. Unfortunately, I seemed to get them more when I was traveling with DS. I think being off of our routine, more things to see, and not being in as comfortable position as home affected him/us. I hope it resolves soon!!

[lg28]

I've had blisters a few times and they're so painful! Glad you got it figured out.

[ssmjlm]

The best thing for a blister is to mix warm water and epsom salt in a shot glass and then sort of dangle the boob so the nipple goes into the glass. Sounds weird, but shot glasses are a really good size.