breast pain

[SylvieA]

Hi
This is not for myself but for a friend. She has been having pain in one of her breasts. It's not throbing,  it's just there. She said there was hard spots when this started but it's no longer there. She doesn't believe it is mastisis as there is no other symptoms with it. She also said that her DD has been crying at the breast and pulls away. She has been pumping and said she can barely get 1 ounce in 15 minutes. She feels like she doesn't have enough milk which I told her it probably isn't the case, as last she was telling me how the milk pours out of baby's mouth. I was wondering if it could be trush, as baby is pulling away.
She also seems to get discouraged easily, and I don't know how to convince her of not giving up. She's only been bfeeding for 3 weeks and ususally gets better. I don't know what advice I can give her other than seeing the Dr. about a possible infection that may of passed on to baby. And to not give up as it only gets better. Any other suggestions. TIA

[linfran]

I agree, she should see her doctor, midwife or a lactation counsellor who could help - it could even be a problem with the latch-on on that side.  I used to have to use different holds depending on which side my ds fed on otherwise it hurt like crazy.

[Mrs. Gravy]

It sounds like she had a plugged duct.

Either the opening at the nipple may plug, or the blockage can occur further back in the breast.  It usually only affects one breast at a time, and the mother will usually notice a hard lump near the site of the blockage.

Once the blockage has been removed, it's normal for the breast to feel slightly bruised for a week or so after.

The best way to remove the blockage is to nurse.  Get that baby to do the work.  Warm compresses and massage can help too.  If the pain is very bad, it's ok to take ibuprofen.

To prevent, nurse frequently and be sure the breast is emptied.  Use breast compressions to help empty the breast thoroughly.

If the pain has persisted more than a few days or gets worse, I would definitely recommend getting it checked out by a bf-friendly doc or a lactation consultant.

[bethann]

I agree. It sounds just like a blocked duct. I got my first when DD was 3 wks. She may have to "work out" the blockage (if she can see a white spot on the nipple). In any case though, massage and hot-wet compresses are the best thing- as well as ibuprofin as that reduces swelling and helps with the pain- because she does still need to breast feed. Everytime I feel something even remotely similar to those symptoms, I run to the hot shower to massage and work out any blockage (if needed).  -you don't want it to develop into mastitis! 

[SylvieA]

Hi
Thanks, that is pretty much what I told her. I never really got blocked ducts myself until DS stopped feeding at night but would only last a few days. For her it's been like that for about a week. She also feels like she doesn't have enough milk as she said her breasts feels soft and baby cries and pulls away. I really don't think that milk reduction can happen that quick at 3 weeks PP. Especially if everything was well for the first 2 weeks. If I can remember correctly I think I could of fed a whole village at that time. Any thought on that(low milk), could it happen so quick. Could giving baby a paci this young reduce her milk too. I nerver though of that but could a preference to one breast cause blocked ducts due to less stimulation. Thanks again

[linfran]

Regarding a paci my hv and midwife both advised me not to introduce a paci for at least four weeks when bf to prevent the baby confusing (and preferring) the paci to the nipple.

[Mrs. Gravy]

I agree that introducing a pacifier can cause decreased milk supply.

Milk supply can decrease quickly if baby isn't nursing well.  Babies have a natural urge to suck, and if baby is fulfilling this need elsewhere (a paci), it will have an effect on bf.  Even if baby isn't actually feeding and is just comfort nursing, the stimulation will increase milk supply.

Having a preference for one breast could certainly result in a blocked duct in the less favoured side. 

Having breasts that feel soft does not mean her supply is low.  When your milk comes in, your breasts will often get engorged, but once baby starts feeding, your breasts learn how much milk to produce.  It's all supply and demand.  That's why the engorged feeling usually only lasts a few days.  Your breasts will adjust to the feeding schedule and produce the appropriate amount of milk.  As long as baby is having 6+ wet diapers a day, he's getting enough.

Try to hold off giving bottles or pacifiers until breast feeding is well established, usually by 6-8 weeks.

[SylvieA]

Hi thanks for your help. Her pain is almost all gone. She went to the Dr and she had a bunch of blocked ducts. After doing more warm compress and massage she was able to express and drain most of the breast. Although she is about to give up. She feels like she is pressured by Drs and nurses to bfeed. And most people she knows, including me, still bfeed.  She went out and bought some formula to supplement on some feedings. I wish she could realize how much harder it is to bottle feed. I certainly learned by my mistakes, and still trying to reverse them. Anyways it's her descision. I just hope she doesn't regret it.