Nursing mama's ??

[nitareality]

How would you differentiate between a plugged duct or other breast infection and just plain old "painful pregnant breast"? DS doesn't nurse a ton anymore, maybe four times at most, and for the past couple days I have a worsening, very localized pain in my left breast. I don't feel any "mass" and it's not any warmer than the rest of my breast though. My other breast is just not as painful. I'm worried that this would be a plugged duct, and since he's not nursing a ton am not sure what to do about it. I'm not sure if I would feel a plugged duct from palpitating on the outside because I have larger breasts. I've been lucky to not have this concern before. Any ideas?

[Mom2Adam]

Hmmmmmm.....

No redness or soreness or lump? How are you feeling? (Besides pregnant!) are you feeling run down or tired or flu-like?

Can DS tell you if there is still milk coming out of that breast? Is that a side that is favored or not? Is the pain during nursing or anytime?

Also consider calling LLL in your area!

I know for us, DS likes one side more and the one he nurses on less seems more painful - I was attributing that to milk production decreasing!

Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest until you figure out what is going on!

[nitareality]

No redness or warmth, but yeah, I"m feeling pretty yucky. It's not the preferred side at all, though he nurses on it once a day at least and yes there is still milk. It's hurting more as the day goes on, especially when I move. I think it is a plugged duct. Hopefully Thaddeus will help me out with it LOL. Thanks for your help.

[Peppamint]

If you can feel a sore spot or side, massage that side when nursing. Also (and a toddler would love this LOL) try to have his chin pointing towards the side that hurts. Keep an eye out for thrust symptoms.

My left breast is a tiny bit sore when I lay on it or the kids push on it, but ds hasn't nursed on that side in month, he prefers the right side.

[flowmom]

Take care of that plugged duct right away! Trust me you do not want to get mastitis . Kellymom has an excellent page on Plugged Ducts and Mastitis - follow her advice and take good care of yourself...