managing a burst vein

[Lisa B]

Hi there,

I have just come back from the doctor and have been told I have a burst vein inside my nipple/breast. I only express BM and don't attach DS to the breast. I noticed blood (quite a bit) going into the bottle when expressing this afternoon, which prompted my visit to the doctor. I tried phoning the ABA help line but I couldnt get through.

My breast is now engorged as I haven't expressed properly. I have turned the pump setting onto low to try and help reduce the amount of blood.

Does anyone know how to manage a burst vein so it heals, I can reduce the engorgement and not effect my supply?

Hope someone can assist.

[onthefly]

Ouch! Are you in pain?
You need to keep emptying your breast to keep your supply up, so pumping it out is really the best thing to do. How much blood is it? It won't hurt your baby to drink it, btw.
Give the ABA another try, hopefully someone can help you out there.

[Lisa B]

MadB - no pain. Not sure I will give the blood side to DS as the milk is quite red and is probably a moderate amount of bleeding (that was how the doctor quantified it). Yes I think I have no choice but to pump but not sure if I should go the usual strength or take it really easy.

[Arcadia]

No advice, but ouch! Hope you're feeling ok

[Kazbah]

maybe try some warm compresses and breast compressions to help with the pumping? sounds painful - hope it sorts out soon

[Lisa B]

Thanks guys for your suggestions and just being there. I was a bit scared seeing blood squirt out and the bottle filling with blood. I think it has now resolved as I haven't had blood in the milk since last night. I kept the pump setting on low JIC that made a difference. I turned it to the usual setting for my mid morning express and it was still all fine. So just crossing my fingers that the vein has now clotted. The doctor said it would eventually clot just like a blood nose. My breast is a little blocked but not to bad. I have experienced worse blockages before. I think it should resolve at some point today.