[smittenmom]

I've been nursing dd problem-free for more than a year (well, except for the initial latch difficulties), but the past couple of days the side of my breast has felt tender and today it's kind of splotchy red. There's no lump or hardness there, but it feels bruised. I consulted "The Womanly Art..." and from what it says it sounds like I might have a plugged duct, but none of the causes listed sound like they apply to me. Dd hasn't slowed down on nursing, I don't wear a constrictive bra.. nothing like that. So, does anyone have any idea what else it could be, or should I just treat it as a plugged duct?

 

[TieDyeMom]

I never had many problems either but I guess I would treat it like a plugged duct and see what happens. Put heat on it and then nurse more on that side. I hope you feel better.

 

[Bebelus]

I started getting plugged ducts late as well (dd is 13.5 mos now, but the problem started around 8 mos). DD was nursing every 2 hours then, now it's every 3, so it wasn't a reduction in nursing (LC's suggestion). It took me the longest time to figure it out - but eventually it became clear that everytime I was really stressed or overly tired, I got a plugged duct.<br><br>
Even now, if I stay up too late for several nights (or even the last time DH and I had a big argument! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/yikes.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="EEK!"> ), I'll get a plugged duct.<br><br>
Good luck getting rid of the plug - they certainly can be painful.

 

[smittenmom]

double post!

 

[smittenmom]

nak<br><br>
thank you both. i guess the tired thing makes sense. we all had colds last week and dd's teething on top of it, so sleep has been scarce. anyway, whatever it was seems to be going away now after lots of nursing and as much rest as i could get, so all's well!