Pain in left breast---advise

[febmom]

Hi,
I had pain in my right breast for a day and suddenly my milk stopped flowing on that. My left one is fine. So, I am relying more on formula as its getting difficult with the reduced milk supply. Could someone please help me out and let me know how I can lactate again?
Thanks!

[BabeABabeB]

Hi there
How do you now for sure milk has stopped flowing???
How does your breast feel??
I am no expert, but just in the last month or so my right breast had gotton pretty tender and nursing became painful. It felt hard on one side and I thought it must be a clogged duct or a lump. I proceeded to massage the side of my breast that was hard while nursing and that helped. I believe it must have been a clogged duct.
If you are really concerned, I'd check with your doctor!
Good luck

[Kim-mom2MnEm]

Katrina's right - it could be a clogged duct. You have to keep nursing or pumping to get through it though. If you stop, the pain will get worse and develop into a serious infection. Also, you will lose your supply that way too. The less you nurse/pump, the less milk you will make. I would see a doctor soon, or call a lactation consultant at your local hospital to help you out. Good luck!

[Liz in SC]

Another vote for a plugged duct here!

I get them routinely if I skip a feeding/pumping session, always on my right side. There is a localized pain and a hard spot. I don't usually notice significantly decreased production, though. However, it has never progressed to mastitis.

As others have mentioned, the cure is to nurse, nurse, nurse. Keep your stronger nurser and/or always start on the plugged side. Massage from just behind the lump/sore spot toward the nipple as you nurse. Warm compresses or a shower also help.

Good luck!

[tanyabap]

I agree with all of the others. Plugged ducts are the worst and they can become very painful. I had them twice when I was nursing my girls. Try to put a bag or frozen peas or corn on the plugged duct. I have also heard a lot about cabbage leaves. To slip one inside your bra. You have got to keep nursing on the sore breast to relieve it.

[117gemini]

I also agree with the other posters - sounds like a plugged duct. I wanted to share info about a less common type of plug that occurs right at the opening to the nipple. Look for a white "blister". Sometimes the skin grows over the duct and can be opened with a sterile needle. I get these frequently for some reason and they do affect supply. Massage and heat won't fix them since the blockage isn't from a milk plug.

For the typical plugged duct that occurs higher in the breast tissue ultrasound therapy from a physical therapist also can help relieve the obstruction and helps prevent it from coming back. Have you been pumping also? Sometimes the stronger suction of the pump will loosen up a blockage. Most important talk with your lactation consultant/health care provider to make sure you have the right diagnosis.