Blocked Ducts

[Em_325]

My friend has a blocked duct which we are worried is going to turn into mastitis. She had a lump appear on Friday after her 7 week old DD only woke for one feed overnight and only fed from the one side. At first she thought it was just engorgement but that went down and the lump was still there. She has been trying to clear the blocked duct since and whilst it has gone down a little it's still there. Her DD initially refused to feed off that side but has been feeding again off it and seems content but when my friend expresses she can only get 5ml out where normally she gets 100-150ml. To make it worse she is away from home and her pump has broken. Any tips for what to try to get the blockage cleared? So far she has used cabbage leaves, heat packs, pumping and getting her DD to feed. She has tried hand expressing but it is incredibly painful for her. We know she has to keep trying to clear it but if anyone has any tips it would be most appreciated

[~Hestia~]

The few times I have had blocked ducts I found a hot shower really helped. While I was in there I would massage the area, or even hand express. This always worked for me. Is your friend feeling ok besides the lump? No fever or aches?

[Joeve]

When ever I feel any kind of lump or different feeling I jump in the shower and do slow firm massage strokes towards the nipple from all around the whole breast under the hot water, I use a bit of body wash to get it nice and slippery so easier to massage. I barely would get any milk come out but I kept going to make sure things were as clear as they could be through massage. 14 months of BFing and no mastitis (fingers crossed) yet!!!

[Em_325]

She was starting to feel a little shivery and the lump was starting to feel red hot so she had some antibiotics which she has started taking as a precaution until she can see her Dr.

[Joeve]

Are they for mastitis? And BFing friendly?
Sounds like she may have it. The shower and massage will still definitely help

[Em_325]

Im not sure what they are but she is a pharmacist so I'm sure she is taking the right thing ill let her know about the shower

[surprised]

Def sounds like the start of mastitis

Unroofed is really helpful (reduces swelling as well as pain relief). Don't forget you can have it and panadol too.

If it really won't budge she can go to a physio for ultrasound treatment. In the meantime she could also try an electric toothbrush over the spot.

Hope she's back on her feet soon

[luna moth]

I've just had mastitis, and totally vouch for the electric toothbrush! You have to express afterwards, but it does help. What was even better, though, was to have a hot shower, then bend over so my boobs were, ahem, swaying in the breeze, and hand express onto the floor of the shower. That really cleared it up.