pimple on my nipple?

Tanya - posted on 01/29/2011

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I got a milk blister on my nipple which was extremely painful while nursing, but especially while pumping. I could tell it was a milk blister because it would get bigger while pumping (fill with milk) but no milk would come out. It ended up bursting but was still extremely painful while it healed. For the pain, some recommended icing before nursing/pumping. Others recommended nursing on the other side first so the latch wouldn't cause as much pain. HTH. Good luck!

Lauren - posted on 01/29/2011

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It may also be an infected gland. I had this and it hurt like crazy. I'm thinking if it just looks like a pimple it may be that b/c a clogged duct will cause your breast to swell where the milk is building up. If it is just the little area it may more likely just be a gland. If it doesn't go away in a couple days (if you can even stand it that long) check with your doctor to see if you need antibiotics

Elise - posted on 01/29/2011

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I had these also especially in the winter when it was cold and my skin would shrivel up along with the milk ducts too. If you don't want to have to do a hot shower each time before nursing or use a wet washcloth there is a product you can buy. I think mine was a Gerber company one but I'm sure there are others. It's a gel pad that can be heated and reused. I would warm them up 15-20 minutes prior to nursing to get the blood flow going and also try to express milk from the side where the duct is clogged prior to having your baby nurse. I found it less painful when I got the milk flow going first. If the babies' nursing is still painful you could also try with a pump. Either way it's uncomfortable but like Jennifer mentioned above you don't want to let it go because it can lead to an infection. You would notice mastitis as worsening pain, warmth in the breast and possibly red streaking in the infected duct.

Sarah - posted on 01/27/2011

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Thanks jennifer! your advice was spot on and now a day later all is good ...no pain at all ^__^ cheers

Jennifer - posted on 01/26/2011

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oh i should have mentioned, you should take care of this right away. if you wait too long and it gets bad enough, it can turn into mastitis which is a whole other issue in itself.

Jennifer - posted on 01/26/2011

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yeah it's definitely a plugged milk duct (on your areola). i've had them several times. just take a long hot shower, or soak a washcloth in steamy hot water and lay it on your boobs and massage it afterward, then whatever method you choose immediately nurse afterward, even if it hurts. the heat helps to soften the clog, and nursing helps to suck it out (and it won't hurt baby at all!).

Sarh - posted on 01/26/2011

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Could it be a blister? Has baby been nursing on that breast more often or for longer recently?
Do NOT put cabbage leaves on it to relieve pain... applying cabbage leaves to the breast/nipple can decrease your milk supply and is actually used to dry up milk supply. I can't remember which it is... either cold or hot compresses will also dry up your milk supply. Just a heads up.

Rebecca - posted on 01/25/2011

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Hi Sarah. I had the same thing, it was a clogged milk duct ( I think anyway!) It was like yours, looked like a pimple, then started to hurt, especially when BFing. Google it, then just do what they advise, hot shower, compression, etc. Mine didn't take too long to go away on its own. Hope this helps!