Breast Pain One side/Sudden Decrease in Supply

HeyyRed

Hi there,

I've been EPing for Luke with occasional nursing when he decides he wants to latch on. Two days ago, I started to get what felt like engorgement again on the right side so I would massage when I pumped.

I should also note that I missed two pumping sessions two days ago but then pumped as soon as I got home.

Yesterday I woke up and had terrible pain in the right breast that wouldn't go away. Again, I massaged through pumping sessions and took ibuprofen - fearing for a blocked duct. The pain is better but my supply has almost completely vanished now from this breast.

Help!!!!?

ncbelle

I'd call your health care provider.  If it is a clogged duct, you don't want it to become mastitis.  Hope it clears up soon for you.

If it is a clog, I've always heard baby can clear them better than a pump.

clyoungsey

ncbelle:

If it is a clog, I've always heard baby can clear them better than a pump.

ditto..

HeyyRed

I will give it a shot. Luke resists nursing still. He will occasionally latch and nurse for a few minutes - most he's done is 15.

Both he and my husband seem to be fighting a bug which makes nursing him even more problematic. He gets very frustrated and doesn't like to wait for the let down which takes some time for me.

I think that his expectations vs. my biological disposition for breast feeding are NOT compatible. So frustrating. Pumping made me feel better because I was able to still get him the breast milk.?

armandos_girl

It sounds like what happens to me when I get a clogged duct.  If you can't get your LO to nurse, try massaging with a warm washcloth when you pump.  And I find my supply usually dips with a clogged duct, but comes back once it is cleared.

I feel your pain - literally.  I had one spring up this morning.

fialiv

If you can get him to nurse, and he will be flexible on his nursing position, try having him nurse with his chin pointing in the direction of fhe pain/lump. He is your best "treatment" for getting rid of a blocked duct.  Otherwise, warm compress with gentle massage is the best thing to do.  If you are worried about your supply, please make sure you are well hydrated, and putting him to the breast as often as possible (if you can, get him to try nursing before each bottle/pumping session, and try to anticipate when he will soon be hungry, and get him there first, before he becomes upset).  It is likely the missed pumping that has started the blocked duct, and I hope it doesn't get worse   I think I read you have an appt later with Dr. Newman?  I hope he is able to help (I've heard from many people that he has been a godsend, even by e-mail - you could send them a quick e-mail in the interim as well)