Breastfeeding advice

[lmn]

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me. A few weeks ago, I had a "plugged duct" in my left breast. It was very painful, but after many warm, moist, compresses over the course of two days, it was gone. However, since that time I have had what I am guessing is a plugged duct in my nipple. It looks like a little drop of milk that doesn't come off. The problem is that when I nurse on that side, my 3 month old son gets very frustrated and upset - sometimes are worse than others. It is also somewhat painful, although bearable, to nurse on that side. (The pain is probably the result of my son sucking way too hard - at least that's what it feels like!)

The warm compresses and hot showers have not helped my current problem at all. I am wondering what I can do to get this little "duct" unplugged so that he can get more milk.

The frustrating thing for me is that I did not have a single problem nursing my daughter for her first year, and I have had so many problems/complications this time around, that at this rate, I'll NEVER last that long!

Thanks for you help,
Laura

 

[Sheila]

Hi Laura,

First congratulations on the fact that you are still nursing your baby. You nursed your first one so you know how good it is for them. Since your problem seems to be recurring and pretty much not going away, I would suggest that you contact a board certified lactation consultant to help you solve the problem before you get any more frustrated. These trained professionals will have a IBCLC after their name, which signifies that they are internationally board certified lactation consultants. Did you have lactation consultants on staff at the hospital or birthing center where you delivered? You could start your search for help there if they have LC's on staff. If not, does your pediatrician have one on staff? If neither your hospital or pediatrician has one on staff, I would ask them for a referral to one. You might also check in the phone book. Beware of businessess that sell and rent breastpumps that say that they have trained professionals to give advice. Always look for the IBCLC after the person's name.

Keep in touch and let us know what you find out.

Sheila Watkins