This morning in the shower I noticed a large knot in my left breast up near my armpit. That side has been tender since this weekend when I pumped for 24 hrs while I was away from LOs for a wedding. Since I noticed it this morning, it seems to have gotten bigger (a little larger than a golf ball) and super painful! I've been alternating between nursing and pumping pretty much constantly since I found it. Also using a hot wash cloth to massage the area while I pump. Any other magic solutions?! DH is home today so I have some more flexibility, but if I can't get it taken care by tomorrow I'll be in trouble because taking care of twins solo allows zero time for extra pumping, showers, etc.
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Using a heating pad and massage while you pump or nurse. The warm wash cloth will loose it's heat too quickly to be very effective.
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Is it red or hot anywhere? Could it be mastitis?
Hot compress, pumping/nursing, massaging... That's all I can think of. If you think it might be mastitis get to the hospital quick!
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Try dangle pumping/feeding! It looks ridiculous but it helped me when I had mastitis.
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Try a sock filled with rice and microwaved for about 30-60 seconds. It will keep heat longer than a washcloth. You can also tuck it into your bra and not get your shirt wet.
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Heat, heat, heat (like as hot as you can stand). Make a rice sock (literally take a sock, fill it with rice, tie a knot in the end, and microwave it). It maintains heat that way longer than a washcloth. This sounds silly but when I was really desperate I got an extra hot latte from Starbucks and held the cup onto the spot while massaging the shit out of it...it did the trick!
ETA: http://admin.lucieslist.com/nursing-issues-thrust-mastitis-blocked-ducts
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What always worked for me was to submerge the breast in as hot of water as you can stand and then do the dangle feeding = might be hard to do due to the location but I would try it anyway
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Massage and heating pad worked for me. Massage it all the time.
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In addition to PP's advice, drink lots and lots of water. I've found that that helps.
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@lawbee11: I know this matter isn't funny because I was super prone to clogged ducts the first 6 months so I know the pain and struggle is real, but I'm picturing you anxiously ordering your drink at the starbucks counter then stepping aside and impatiently shifting your weight from one leg to the other like the pee pee dance. Then when they call your name "J!" you rush up there and immediately putting the drink to your pits while massaging it right then and there, while letting out a big sigh of relief. LOL!!!
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@.twist.: I don't *think* it's mastitis as it's not hot or red, but my mom suggested keeping an eye on my temperature just in case.
@psw27: @lawbee11: I'll try the rice sock! DH is looking for or heating pad but I'm not sure if it gets warm enough!
@avivoca: @Mamaof2: I'll try to do this next time! I can only imagine the look on my LOs faces, haha. I might have to have DH take pictures!
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@Alivoo01: LOL! The only part you left out is asking them to leave extra room so that once the duct was cleared all that milk didn't go to waste
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@lawbee11: bahaha! OH MY.
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@lawbee11: LMFAO!!!!!!!!!
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I would get them, and I always put my strongest nurser on that side, and massaged while I nursed. Good luck!
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I had a lot of plugged ducts, especially with my first, and the dangle thing (and a lot of massaging) was what would always clear it. It's uncomfortable, you look ridiculous, but who cares if it makes it go away!!
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@lawbee11: Hahaha!
Ok so what will it be like once it unclogs? Will milk shoot out or something? Or will it just feel better? I just got in the bath and massaged it while on all fours and I think the knot seems smaller and less painful? But now I've been assaulting my boob for the last few hours so everything sort of hurts in that area....
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@twodoghouse: For me, the knot gets smaller till it goes away and the area feels softer ut the pain remains for another day or two. It feels almost bruised for a bit. And every time I've had mastitis it has come on super fast so I'd just stay on the lookout.
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@twodoghouse: I've heard people say that milk shoots out. L was always the one who managed to unclog me via nursing. I could usually tell because he would kinda choke... which sounds bad to say, but I imagine it's because a rush of milk would surprise him! I never saw any shooting milk though. I, personally, just felt better after.
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@gilmoregirl: yea, I've had it twice and both times it hit me hard, fast.
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@twodoghouse: The knot being smaller is a good sign. Mine would shoot out if I pressed down really hard on the knot after I cleared it. Agree with PP that it will feel bruised for a few days even if it's cleared because of all the massaging you did. If you think you cleared it I'd have one of your LOs nurse on that side as soon as you can just try to and draw everything out.
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Agree with the heat packs and massage. Also try to massage and self express in the shower. Don't wear underwire bras. Be careful not to sleep on your left side to keep pressure off the area. And nurse/pump like crazy.
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Update: Blake's nursing now and I'm pretty sure it's totally broken down. He choked a couple times like @.twist.: mentioned and now I can't feel it! Hallelujah!
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@twodoghouse: such a relief!
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@twodoghouse: clogged ducts saw the worst!! Hope you got relief, I find massage and a long very hot shower always helps me.
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