clogged ducts at 4.5 months postpartum?

[klindsey11]

I think I have clogged ducts again.      I used to get them when my DS was 2-4 wks old and was surprised that I had them again now.  It hurts a lot more than I remember and it seems "larger"- it feels like the whole right side of my right breast is hard, and it's very tender.  I've tried nursing often on that side, pumping afterwards and using wet warm compresses and it doesn't seem to be getting better.  I'm worried that perhaps it isn't clogged ducts after all, but something else?  Anyone have any thoughts on this, or advice?

[daisymelan]

If you've had plugged ducts before and this feels worse, it sounds like you may have mastitis.  IF it is, you will need antibiotics to clear it (it's ok for nursing mom's).  I have had 2 bouts of mastitis and a couple of plugged ducts so I can appreciate what you are going through. 

if it is actually showing red on the outside of your breast that I would think, again, that it's mastitis.

Please see your doctor so that they can decide if you need antibiotics or not.  The faster they are in you, the faster the relief.... adn the relief comes fairly quickly.

[klindsey11]

It is getting better, I think.  It is still very tender but the hardness is going away.  If it's mastitis, would it still stay hard?

[daisymelan]

To be honest, I don't really remember.  I don't think it stayed hard, but always very very tender, especially where the red marks were. 

Do you have red marks on your breast at all? 

I hope it's just a plugged duct and you worked it out. 

[Samuel's mum]

If the hardness is going away the duct might have been unplugged. But if it then gets hard again it might be a reoccuring problem. Do have anything that might be causing pressre on that side - a bra pinching, you always carry your purse/handbag in a certain way. When you feed on that side try and vary the position so different bits get drained.
Massage is really important too.

Mastitis can happen when a breast is softer too though usually the hardness remains. You could feel more unwell in other ways too though like a raised temperature and generally fluish. There's something about the differences here and more tips:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html

However if you feel it's getting better you'll probably be fine. Mastitis would mean a worsening of symptoms and you'd feel rougher, with or without hardness. Hope it doesn't come back.

[lisi's mum]

I'm always suggesting this, and I know it sounds horrid, but between feeds to relieve the soreness you can make a quark compress: take some quark (or the thickest yogurt you can find), add a couple drops of lavender essential oil if you have them, and smear a good thick layer on the effected area. Cover with a hanky or piece of cloth to stop it getting on your clothes.

It really soothes and cools the whole area. Sounds bad, but will give relief!

[klindsey11]

thanks everyone.  i think it's gone now.  good riddance!

[daisymelan]