Is this a blocked duct?

[Ms. Cellaneous]

I think so, but I'm not sure.

Woke up this morning with very tender, sore spot on outside of my right breast. Feels like a lump underneath. It actively hurt this morning, now is just sore to the touch. Feels better after applying heat and after nursing on that side (although DB seems very impatient nursing today, on both sides, keeps popping on & off). No red streaks, and no fever (I don't think).

So this sounds like a blocked duct, right? Anything I should do for it other than to keep nursing? And should I pump after nursing if DB refuses to have a good nurse on that side? And how long do these usually last for?

And, since there's no one here to complain to except a very fussy DB: Owie Ow Ow Ow ow Owwwwwwww. Sorry, just needed a little whinge!

[groovyem]

I've had a blocked duct, it was a very sore lump. I am an EPer, so I applied heat before I pumped and just kept working that lump toward my nipple and cleared it. I don't know if they always clear that easily, but mine did and I had mastitis at the time.

[lonegirl]

Sounds like it. When I had one that progressed to Mastitis (rather quickly) I was told to nurse on that side with chin facing the inflammed area (major ow but it worked). Lots of warm compresses and hot showers while working the milk out.
Best of luck!!!

[averlee]

Sounds like a plugged duct, but also sounds like it's clearing up already. The hot compress was great thinking. You could do that again, and keep nursing frequently!

[Ms. Cellaneous]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I was a little scared by the pain and the lump! But, luckily, it seems to be clearing up. The warm compresses and hot shower have helped. And of course, nursing nursing nursing!

[boobs4milk]

alternate cool and warm compresses. some women don't respond to the warm and it could make you let down more and increase the clog. also, some deep massage may be in order. hurts like a s.o.b. but clears up clogs faster. if your baby can't clear it or is fussing at the breast, you may have to jump start with the pump. s! i had one the size of a peach under my left arm when millie was ~4 days old. i lugged around a cold pack for a few days and massaged it every time i pumped.