White Plugs

[~Kiki]

I have what looks like little white plugs in both of my nipples. Is this normal?

[shelliz]

Hi there...

Are you breastfeeding numerous times a day? If so...can you still see the 'plugs' once your are done feeding?

[~Kiki]

I only bf, so yes very frequently 
I notice the white plugs right after a feeding, then they seem to disappear.

[shelliz]

If you lo is nursing and filling up then I am not sure if this is what it may be.


PLUGGED MILK DUCT - From MedlinePlus

A milk duct can become plugged if the baby does not feed well, if the mother skips feedings (common when the child is weaning), or if she wears a constricting bra. Symptoms of a plugged milk duct include tenderness, heat and redness in

one area of the breast, or a palpable lump close to the skin.

Sometimes, a tiny white dot can be seen at the opening of the duct on the nipple. Massaging the area and gentle pressure can help to remove the plug.


***Do you think it could just be milk that you are seeing? I am not sure if the above info would be what you  have as I have never had this experience. I am sure one of the mods will check in on this thread and they will have great advice!

  Shelby

[GraceKellysmom]

Are there several small spots on each nipple, or does the tip of the nipple look white?

Several would suggest it is milk, I get them still, a little dried milk in the nipple hole.

The tip would be blanching. It could indicate a bad latch, or a lazy nurser. Max used to blanch my nipples pretty bad because I had a huge supply and he would clamp down on them to slow it down.

[~Kiki]

Every so often she will clamp down and my entire nipple will turn white, ouch!

These spots that I'm talkiing about are several little white spots.

[bethann]

is that the only symptom? the only time I experienced that was for blocked milk ducts.  they spots can be there for a while- mine were there for like 3 weeks. but i only felt the pain of the blocked duct for a few days. this may sound strange, and i don't know if anyone would even agree with this, but since I had already had one bout of mastitis and was not about to have another, the moment i saw those dreaded little white spots and felt the pain of a blocked duct, i ran to the shower and literally squeezed open the blockage.  i had to "pick" at the white spot and "pop" it- like a pimple almost. gross, i know, but within 45 minutes, it completely opened and milk poured out, the white spot was gone, and presto- no more blocked duct that would have led to mastitis.  didn't mean to gross you out or anything, this is just what worked for me.  use a wet hot compress for now- it totally helps!

[GraceKellysmom]

If they disappear and aren't painful, I wouldn't worry about them. If you're having any sort of pain, a trip to the lc may help!

[cathbilson]

I have loads of these too. Didn't realise everyone didn't get them! Noticed them while I was pregnant, still there now, sometimes more frequent than others. Have picked at them a little, can squeeze like a pimple (okay, that's yuck) but just seem to fill up again a couple of days later.
I think as long as they're not hot/red/sore, they're nothing to worry about. I'm assuming they'll vanish once I finish breasfeeding!

[M2L]

hi guys, i had one of "those" until DD was around 5.5 months old.  it was like a little pocket of skin that collected milk under it every time she nursed.  i could squeeze it, too.  i just lanced it with a sterilized needle and it healed itself eventually.  never really had any pain, altho abit if she nursed "hard."  all gone now.

[~Kiki]

If I were to seek medical advice who would I go to? My general physician, OBGYN, etc? Thanks for all of the great advice!

[bethann]

i'd give a call in to your obgyn. she what she says. but if there isn't any pain, you may just be fine. just watch for any hardening of the breast.

[Baby O&G's Mommy]

Sounds like a "bleb".  I remembered this funny word in the back of my brain somewhere, and looked it up:

From the Medela website:

By Catherine Watson Genna, BS, IBCLC

A bleb is a small white spot on the tip of the nipple that looks like a tiny, milk-filled blister. The bleb only seems to cover one nipple opening or pore. It can be very painful to the touch and while breastfeeding or pumping. A sucking blister is usually larger and is caused by the baby taking only the nipple into his mouth during sucking, putting too much pressure on the tip of the nipple. Sucking blisters usually go away by themselves within a day or two when baby is latched on better. Blebs often need to be treated before they disappear. Professional help with latch-on technique from an IBCLC can often help solve these problems.

You can to open up or remove the bleb at home. First, soak the nipple in warm water to soften the bleb. Then try rubbing it gently with a clean, damp washcloth until it opens or loosens. Next, feed the baby or express some milk to make sure any thickened milk is removed. You may see a small strand of hardened milk come out from the tiny duct opening. This is normal, and will help the healing. Finally, some antibiotic ointment can be used on the sore area until it heals. Ask your doctor to recommend an ointment that will let you keep breastfeeding. Avoid any over-the-counter ointment that contains neomycin. Usually feeding is more comfortable as soon as the bleb is broken.

If the bleb does not break easily, your doctor or midwife can break it with a sterile needle. This usually works better right after feeding the baby, when the blister is larger. You should continue to breastfeed often to drain the breast and let any thickened milk come out. If breastfeeding is too painful, using a hospital grade rental breast pump for 10 minutes at each feeding time will help maintain your milk supply and prevent mastitis.

Better positioning should prevent both blisters and blebs. An IBCLC and your doctor can help if you have either problem, or if they come back after treatment.

Editors:

Kathleen B. Bruce BSN IBCLC
Barbara Wilson Clay, BSEd, IBCLC
Mary Bibb BA, IBCLC

[~Kiki]

They went away - yippee! Thanks for all of the great advice!