BFing mamas

blueLu25

Help! I have been BFing DS since he was born, without pain since he was about 2 months old. But starting about 2-3 weeks ago, my right breast gets shooting/ stabbing pains when it is empty, or even just not really full. It is sooo painful sometimes, I dont know what to do! I have googled this, and I dont think its thrush, b/c I dont have any of the other symptoms, or does DS. Its more in the breast, not the nipple. My nipples are fine. I have heard this can be the milk filling back in? Anyone else have this happen or know what to do? I need some relief, and its affecting my supply b/c I dont want to feed on that side too much. I tried asking this on the breastfeeding board, but all I got was "you have thrush" and "its normal." I'm planning on asking the doc on thurs when we go for DS's 6 month (!!) appt. but hoping there is something I can do in the meantime.

Seattle_JiLLn

I would call a lactation consultant about it.   At Evergreen, you can call the LC's and they'll give advice over the phone... do you have anyone like that where you delivered?    My bet is that hte pediatrician isn't going to know.   That shooting pain does sound like thrush, or maybe an infection of some sort.   I've never heard of it being "milk filling back in"... Its not like there are big empty vessels that milk fills up into - at this point, milk is pretty much entirely made on demand, so I can't imagine that there's any rush of milk going in. 

Anyway, if you can call a LC, I would do that ASAP in case it's an infection.

BriAndSean

I agree with calling a LC. They have so much knowledge!

FWIW though... my personal experience I've had a pain I would describe as stabbing on one side before. I think it was just a clogged duct. Because it was uncomfortable to nurse, I wasn't offering that side to DD as often and that started to make the problem worse. What I did was take a nice long shower and then nurse her on that side first. I continued to offer that side first for every feeding. After one day of doing this, the pain went away. Not sure if it helps you any, or even if your problem is similar, but that is what worked for me!

blueLu25

Thanks! I delivered at the Puget Sound Birth Center, so I dont think they have anyone there that I could call, but that did remind me that the lady who we did birthing classes with is involved in La Leche League, so I think I will give her a call.

sunmountain

This happened to me and unfortunately, it may persist for a few months on and off.  I called the LCs, went to my OB, got a prescription for this cream that is kind of a "cure" all but not much helped but time. I would pump that side often which didn't hurt and bottle feed during the day and give that side a rest but bf at night. Some times it was so painful I was in tears and there was no real solution. It would come and go and finally cleared up around 6 months. Just make sure your DS has a good latch and correct it if not, that was I think part of our problem. I'm so sorry, but don't give up. Cold or warm compresses helped too. Good luck!

angluvsammon

I had similar symptoms when I had a clogged duct. I was suprised that I didn't have any pain in the nipple, but I saw a LC and she said it was indeed a clogged duct. Even though it hurt, I had to nurse to get it to go away. Good Luck!

chibipoe

Sounds like a plugged duct (I've had them in every way, shape and form). Nursing is really the best way to get rid of it but warm or cold compresses can help, ibuprofin to bring down swelling, or a nice hot shower are all other ways to make it feel better. I think calling someone from LLL or a lacation consultant is a good idea, expecially since this is a new thing. Good luck!

IkesHawaiian06

Oh, I feel your pain! This is the story of my breastfeeding life the last three months! My supply is totally great for having a near nine month old, and I even went in and was treated for a yeast infection. But I still get seriously awful pain. I find that sometimes advil and heat really help. My doc said that it could also be a glogged duct in the nipple and that's why I have the shooting pain. It's not hurting as often as it was before the yeast infection treatment, so it may have been a combo, but I haven't had the time to get back to the doc since I finished up my meds.

 Good luck! Definitely talk to the doctor about it!