hard lump in my breast

Autumn_bride2b

I am an exclusive pumper (DD is in NICU) and since this morning I have had a large lump in one breast. Pumping doesn't seem to help. I otherwise feel fine, no fever, no nipple pain, etc. Is this mastitis? Is there anything I can do before calling my OB?

MiddMomm

sounds like a clogged duct - used hot compresses and massage the breast when you pump.  try to pump more on that side.

DarcyLongfellow

Sounds like a clogged milk duct.  You need to clear it up asap because if it stays there, it will turn into mastitis.

Here's what to do -- you need to keep that breast as absolutely empty as possible and you need to massage the clogged area so it breaks up.  The best thing for this is constantly pumping (or nursing, but obviously you'll be pumping) and moist heat. 

First -- moist heat.  Stand in a hot shower and let the hot water hit that area of your breast while you massage the clogged area and try to get it loosened up.  Try to hand express some.  Also, before you pump, apply a hot, wet compress to your breast, focusing on the clogged area.  I would soak a washcloth in really hot water and apply that to my breast.

Good luck!  And your daughter is in my prayers.  I know it must be so hard to have a baby in the NICU.

Second -- keep that breast empty!  You want to give that duct a chance to clear out, so pump, pump, pump.  When you pump, massage the clogged area the whole time -- you should be able to eventually massage the clogged area enough that the milk will get moving again.