Continual Blocked Ducts

Thank you Barb for the reply - may I ask when the supply tends to settle down? I was originally told by 6 weeks and I'm past that and still no closer. DS is feeding on one boob only per feed as there is so much milk so each breast is only fed on once every 6 to 7 hours approx. I haven't been expressing as I was worried this would tell my body to keep producing the same amount of milk? It's very confusing.

Is there a way of lessening the supply or do I just have to struggle with this until they are no longer as full or he is taking more? He is putting on 150grams a week so is getting plenty of milk. I only have the problem in my right boob.

For most people supply settles down between 6-12 weeks. Mine took 5 months though and I often had blocked ducts in that time.

Hi Powelly, You sound a little *over it*. But, really, it is just like any other health and wellbeing problem. Often in these cases you need to try a few different approaches until you get the right solution for you. After all, people's bodies all act a little differently, even thought the principles are the same. As an aside, I have recently hurt my back. One health professional is suggested rest and icepacks. The other advised me to take pain relief, use warm water and keep moving. So it's just not breastfeeding. I don't see it so much as conflicting advice, as try one, then the other - see what works.
I would suggest that you feed your baby one breast, then offer the other - it might be just enough to take the edge off. And then, next time, feed him from the breast he *had a bit off* and then offer him the other. You aren't much over 6 weeks. Still the very early days. Pretty soon he will take both breasts every feed and your breasts will feel soft and normal. At this point your milk production is still relatively driven by high prolactin levels, which is normal, so if you feel your breast is uncomfortably full wake up your baby and feed him or express a little for comfort. Relieving the engorgement is the highest priority

Thank you Barb and everyone else for your posts. I really appreciate the advice and tips. I'll be continuing on with the breastfeeding as I had always intended to do. If it turns out I'm in agony for the duration then so be it. Better me than him and at least he's getting the good stuff.

Hi,

You are closer to comfortable painfree breastfeeding than you know. You are doing the right thing. Try offering both breasts (even if he just takes a bit out of the other) Breastfeeding is something that should be comfortable and enjoy, not something to suffer through!

Well it seems the medical profession had it wrong all along. After 6 weeks of agony, three ultrasounds and trying many different things to clear up my "blocked ducts", it was discovered that I actually had a breast abscess. Unfortunately after two lots of needle drainage at the surgeons rooms, it's not improving so I get one more shot on Wednesday and then if all else fails, will be having surgery on Thursday.

The doctor called to apologise, which was nice, but doesn't help me now. I have no idea whether I can breastfeed after surgery, (a) due to general anasthetic and (b) due to the incision which will be at the edge of my areola.

Gutted much! I can't believe this is happening.

Talk to the anaesthetist - the general should not be a problem (at least after you wake up). Lots of Mums have generals for Caesareans and BM shortly afterwards - and their babies are smaller and would be getting a bigger relative dose than your DS.

It is totally possible to BF from one side only. Once the incision heals that side should be usable too.

The biggest challenge that I can see would be preventing blockages in the side that is being operated on, if it is too sore to feed from. I would ask the surgeon about that before you have any surgery.

Powelly - well done for perservering.

what a relief to finally know what is actually going on! ABA has a booklet called 'breastfeeding and hospitalisation'.

It seems it is important to let your carers know how important breastfeeding is for you. If you do need to have surgery, you can express and store some of your milk (eg for feed while you are under general anaesthetic). If your supply drops, frequent fees will help boost it again. Def talk to the anaesthetist about a drip to keep your fluids up. The booklet says that when you wake up from the general the biggest issue is your woosiness or nausea you may get (you can bf though) so you will need the support of someone to be with your baby. And to cosleep while your are under the influence of medications is not advised. Is it possible for your baby to be admitted with you? or visit frequently? You can arrange to bf just before surgery, and again soon afterwards.

I hope it all clears on Wednesday (xoxox)

Don't forget you can call the breastfeeding helpline to chat about your options, or even to find some reassurance.

xo
Catherine

Hey powelly
My attention was brought to you post and I thought I would let you know my story.
A growth was found on my nipple when dd2 was 2 weeks old. It continued to grow rapidly and surgery was booked for when dd2 was 4 weeks old.
So I told both the surgeon and the anesthetist that I am bfing and will continue to do so. They gave me minimal drugs and I fed as soon as I was out of recovery. I then gently hand expressed every feed from the injured boob while dd2 fed from the good one. After about two weeks I started to feed from the bad boob with no problems. The supply was a bit less than the good one but we still made it to 15 months bf'ing.
It is possible, you just need to be determined, and it sounds like you already are (and she didn't need any formula in that time either.) If you want to ask any questions feel free to pm me.


Sent from my iPhone so short and sweet

Hi Ryatha,

Thank you! That's the type of motivation I need right now. I want to continue to BF (after all this, I'm not bloody giving up)!!!. I'm scared about expressing! I tried to PM you but it said your inbox was full.

Hi,
No wonder you were so low - you have had a very difficult time.
There's no reason why you should have to stop breastfeeding because of this. I know several mums who have continued to breastfeed after an abscess. The anaesthetic will prove no problem (and if anyone suggests it will then remind them that mothers are routinely encouraged to breastfeed after a c-section under general anaesthetic) Ask the surgeon to be careful not to damage the other ducts. You should be able to feed straight at the breast. If the incision is left open and packed then it can be messy but the milk will help the healing process. Good luck, and call in here to let us know how you are going and get support.

Hi Barb, thanks again for your support and help. Is it safe for him to feed on the open incision? Would he take in the blood/pus etc? And will it hurt a lot? Sorry for the questions, I guess it's just better to go in knowing what it'll be like.

Sorry, just cleared my inbox...

Hi,

from what mothers tell me, it's not painful, and there's not much puss or blood involved. Just milk leaking out of places it doesn't normally

Hugs hun. What a horrible thing you've been through! You're amazing for persevering!

Just wanted to let you know there is an exclusive expresser's thread here full of women who know waaaay too much about expressing LOL! So if you need any advice on that front jump over and we'll do our best. I wonder if the hospital might put you in the maternity ward for recovery so you'll have access to the good hospital-grade pump and lactation consultants? I was in hospy with mastitis and ended up (luckily) in maternity and it was helpful.

But hoping you can avoid the surgery! I'm guessing you've already tried physio ultrasound? oxox

Hi to all you lovely ladies.

Just wanted to give you an update. I managed to evade surgery!!! I had a total of 4 needle aspirations by my very supportive and gentle surgeon and I am on the mend finally with a boob that looks normal, no swelling, red marks or lumps and bumps! So, at 11 weeks old, my gorgeous son and I are finally enjoying our breastfeeding experience!

For anyone else who reads this who has an abscess, whilst it feels like the end of the world, it is manageable. On top of feeling extremely ill, I was emotionally contemplating giving up breastfeeding but I'm so glad I persevered as it can (and does) get better.

Thanks to all for your tips, ideas and support.

That's great news hun! You should be so proud of yourself, your DS is very lucky to have such a committed mama :clap:

That's fantastic that you were able to avoid surgery, and that your surgeon was on top of their treatment game. HOpe it's all onwards and upwards for you from here, it has been such a hard time for you. :hug: