blocked duct or something post weaning

[~phyrephly~]

DS was down to one feed a day for about two weeks then a week ago we stopped all feeding. I would say it was quite gradual and i never felt uncomfortable supply wise. And i reckon my supply dropped significantly in the last few months. So I'm a little spun out that i appear to have a blocked duct. I have a few lumps on one breast, tender to touch. I have tried massaging them in the shower, applying heat and cold packs. I can't express anything, nothing comes out. Help! It hurts! I'll head to the Dr after all these public holidays...

[onthefly]

ouch. it does sound like it might be a blocked duct.
some mums use the end of an electric toothbrush to massage blockages, too. You could give the ABA helpline a call for more ideas, too - 1800 686 268

[OceanPrincess]

Ooh ouch. Sometimes it doesn't take much to block up a duct - a change in supply, plus a funny bra/seatbelt/whack by a toddler, bang blocked duct. Sounds like you're doing the right things, are you hand expressing? Have you tried hand expressing in the shower?

[Barb Glare]

You are probably over the worst of it. It is a surprise to realise how much milk you have been making with only one feed. put an ice-pack on your breasts and take some panadol or similar if it is painful. It should resolve in a day or so

[~phyrephly~]

Thanks everyone. Had tried throughout the day to handexpress butdidnt get any milk. Just before bed after a lot of massaging i managed to get a few drops out. It .hurt pretty bad throughout the night, today I'm wearing a sports bra and that's helping heaps. I just bought a bunch of non maternity bras, so i wonder if wearing them prompted the blocked duct?

[OceanPrincess]

Ooh yeah underwire can be a killer for blocking ducts. Go back to the soft ones for a bit!

[~phyrephly~]

Just wanted to reply here to let people know that the lumps are finally gone. I tried hand expressing for a few days with no luck and just waited it out. So it took about a week or so for them to go of their own accord. I'm really pleased to have my breasts and body back after 23 months! Don't get me wrong, i loved feeding my boy and went through the stages of grief before weaning but now we are at ten other end I'm so glad i did it when i did. DS only asks occasionally and understand when i say "all gone, empty".