Help! Plugged Ducts

[slsurface]

My 10mo old ds got really sick three days ago. Started out with high fever and (thankfully) nursed all the time to keep hydrated. After his fever broke though, he doesn't want to nurse. I think his tummy hurts. Now I'm massively engorged and my right breast has a HUGE (golf ball) sized hard and sore spot. I can't relieve this with pumping, nursing, hot packs, or cold packs. I'm worried about infection or other complications. Any suggestions on how to deal with this?

As a side worry, I'm concerned that his nursing strike will affect my milk supply.

[momuveight2B]

Could he have developed an ear infection that is making nursing uncomfortable? Try offering in a postition that allows him to sit up. Is he avoiding one side over the other or showing any signs of pain or irritation? Does he need some pain relief so he can nurse? Will he nurse in his sleep?

It sounds like you have tried everything. What works for me is getting into the tub on my tummy and soaking my breasts. Massage the area and stroke towards the nipple. I prefer to hand express or nurse if possible over pumping.

Then I continue to apply warm compresses throughout the day/night. I keep damp cloths in a crockpot on low and swap in and out of my bra as needed.

[RootSnort]

Originally Posted by momuveight2B

I keep damp cloths in a crockpot on low and swap in and out of my bra as needed.

That's an idea I wish I'd heard when I had plugged ducts! My LC told me that moist heat is best. It's also important to ensure a hot compress just before pumping, to help get the circutation going well in that area. Keep nursing and pumping as much as you can, and it will clear. The only way around this mountain is straight through it, I wish there were an easier way, btu you are doing all the right things!

[RachelGS]

Also dramatically increase your Vitamin C intake. It makes an enormous difference.

[rainbowfairymomma]

go get some marshmellow root, that stuff is AWESOME! seriously it will help (I'm just getting over a plugged duct myself) take 6 of them at first and then take 4 a few hours later and then you can decress to 2 etc.. It will help!!!

also get in the shower and massage massage massage!

feel better mama!

[slsurface]

Thanks! I've been out of town and without a computer, but I really appreciate your comments and help.

Things got much worse before they got better. I developed mastitis. : I took loads of Vit. C and used hot compresses constantly. Drank lots and lots of water. I also massaged and took hot showers whenever possible. Eventually, I got L to nurse enough to clear out the plugged ducts and the infection cleared out. Whew!

Now the infection is gone, but it still kinda hurts when ds nurses. Of course we were visiting with family during all of this, so I got the usual comments like "isn't it time to wean?".