Painful Breast Clot ever, since 2 days ago. HELP!!

Sanjana - posted on 08/17/2012

My son is 27 days to old. I've been exclusively B-feeding him. N once a while i will get clot. I use heat pack n super pressing the clots to clear it up.
Since yesterday morning i get a huge patch of clot on my left breast. I used the same method n it just wouldn't go away!! Till today afternoon.. my breast feels like its going to give way, with all the feeding/heat pack/pumping/pressing. My mom even help me to press the clot n nothing works!! I feel Sooooooo sore. Anyone faces the same problem before? Any solution? watever u can think of. Now i feel real miserable with this clot!! Help pls~

Evelyn - posted on 06/09/2009

Hmm.. peanut butter? lol. I tried all directions n ways n methods of squeezing, pushing rubbing, pinching, etc... there's still tiny little lumps deep inside my breast. But thank God the big patch of solid lump is gone. Now my breast is less sore, still clot though. Hope they clear up soon before it gets infectious >.

LaCi - posted on 06/09/2009

Quoting Evelyn:

Thanks for all the precious advice. Last night i had a slight fever of 37.9c. Took some panadol aka paracetamol, n it subsided. this morning my clot has become less stiff. I used the new method that u guys advice like, massage in hot showers, using hot moist towels (instead of using the heat pack which i normally do), n relaxing before feed/pump. Helps a lot!! I did not get any flu. I think the fever was due to too much of heating n painful massage with hot weather going at 35degree. Thank God its not mastitis!! I'll continue to pump/nurse to clear it totally.

Another Question is.... Any idea why we get clot? Some people told me is because of peanut consumption.. Hmmm... wonder is it a myth.

I've never heard that so i googled it and it said you can put peanut butter on your nipples to help a clogged duct...... that was random sorry.  but if anyone else has a clogged duct now.... peanut butter. lol. 

LaCi - posted on 06/09/2009

Quoting Sara:

They told us in breastfeeding class to line up the baby's nose with knot. This works those ducts and helps clear it up. If it doesn't clear up you should see your doctor to make sure you don't have an infection.

I forgot about this. Along the same lines, with focusing the suction, Sometimes squishing your boob different ways for a minute when you're pumping can help different ducts pump. If you haven't done that already. 

Evelyn - posted on 06/09/2009

Thanks for all the precious advice. Last night i had a slight fever of 37.9c. Took some panadol aka paracetamol, n it subsided. this morning my clot has become less stiff. I used the new method that u guys advice like, massage in hot showers, using hot moist towels (instead of using the heat pack which i normally do), n relaxing before feed/pump. Helps a lot!! I did not get any flu. I think the fever was due to too much of heating n painful massage with hot weather going at 35degree. Thank God its not mastitis!! I'll continue to pump/nurse to clear it totally.

Another Question is.... Any idea why we get clot? Some people told me is because of peanut consumption.. Hmmm... wonder is it a myth.

Megan - posted on 06/08/2009

Yes I also have heard great things about using ultrasound...thanks for the reminder I had forgotton. :)

Lindy - posted on 06/08/2009

I agree that you should check its not mastitis. But what really worked for me was this bizarre tip I got from a lactation consultant at the hospital - the back of an electric toothbrush. Seriously! Turn it on and use the back to massage firmly along the duct. Keep at it for a good 10 minutes. This brought me instant relief and normally shook things loose enough that by the next morning I was back to normal! Then you can rinse it, turn it around, shove it in your mouth and use it to reduce cavities too! Genius!

Another often ignored fact is that ultrasound clears ducts. If you have any friends who are physiotherapists ask them to look up the frequency details and use their little gizmo on your breast - even better, while you are nursing. This really does work immediately and for some reason is not widely publicised?!?

*Fluffy Bunnies - posted on 06/08/2009

They told us in breastfeeding class to line up the baby's nose with knot. This works those ducts and helps clear it up. If it doesn't clear up you should see your doctor to make sure you don't have an infection.

Lori - posted on 06/08/2009

make sure that you don't have mastitis. I had it with my first baby and it was very painful. it started out as a clogged milk duct. you should have it checked out by your doctor but don't stop breast feeding! keep pumping and massaging to empty the breast as much as you can.

Megan - posted on 06/08/2009

Everyone has already given good advice...alternating heat and cold, massage, showers, pumping, etc. I also have done the cabbage leaves in the bra. I had many issues with plugged ducts and mastitis with both my kids. Do you have any flu-like symptoms? If so that can be a sign that it is turning into mastitis. With my first every time I had the symptoms I did all the natural things and it seemed to work but with my second after a week of trying everything and being in bed so sick with a high fever I ended up going to the ER and being admitted and had to stay in the hospital for a week which was awful so definately get it checked out especially if it starts to get worse and you start to feel like you have the flu. I know how aweful that can be and how it hurts so much to nurse. I hope you get better soon.

Alayna - posted on 06/08/2009

Definitely do not stop nursing...you have to get the clot out and the milk flowing. If you haven't seen your doctor, you should! You could have or get an infection, which sounds like you may have. Every time you nurse, start on that breast, trying to massage it while nursing, if you can. This happened to me, but I ended up with mastitis, and finally went to the doctor and was given an antibiotic and was good as new! But call your doctor!!

Mary - posted on 06/08/2009

I feel your pain!!! I too went for a stretch in the 3.5-5 month range where I seemed to have a blocked duct more frequently, and the often lasted 24 hrs or so...very painful!! What seemed to help most was MOIST heat...I would wet a wash rag & heat in the microwave for about 20 seconds, (making it as hot as I could stand w/o burning myself), and hold it on the affected side while massaging. I also found that trying to "relax" (reclining for 10 or 20 minutes BY MYSELF) prior to nursing or pumping was most conducive to freeing the blockage. Hot showers w/massage are also helpful. Must say that pumping after that was what usually freed it. Ibuprofen can help some with the pain as well. Don't give up!!! I haven't had one in months now (she's 7 months now), and if you've hung in there this long, you CAN doit if it's what you want!! Good luck!:)

LaCi - posted on 06/08/2009

I didn't breastfeed for long. But I do remember when it happened if I massaged the lump a LOT while pumping or feeding it seemed to help. Possibly the pressure on it from the massage helped it out, i'm not really sure. But it helped!

Andrea - posted on 06/08/2009

wwwwwwwwwwwww thats hurts have a hot shower and let it go relax maybe even try breast pumping the milk out while in the shower and lots of rubbing you can try a nipple gard you can also by creams just ask your midwife/ GP. I think stop breast feeding may make it worse ( the clot ) because it has to move. but if it has not moved in a few more days go to the doctor you may need some kind of meds to help...... :)

Christy - posted on 06/07/2009

I went through this with my 3rd son. It hurts but DO NOT GIVE UP. I was given antibiotics and a nipple shield to keep the bleeding down from the nipple. I was nicknamed the "nursing nazi" I believe there is no other way. Keep the breast as empty as you can pumping, nursing showers, etc. Do not let it dry up. Is it red around the area> Feel like you have the flu a little? Get a 2nd opinion from a supportive nursing MD they do not all support nursing fro some crazy reason. There are plenty of meds you can take nursing that are 100% safe I had too take ibuprofen and vicodin for the pain plus the antibiotics- didn't want to, but I had to I was NOT GOING TO THE BOTTLE such a pain and so unnatural. I know a lot about nursing and have been through it ALL with 3 boys. My last one zach was the hardest. My email is c_l_roberts@hotmail.com my # is 832-785-4145 please call anytime I work at night now after staying home for 12 years and following a divorce I had no choice but I would be so happy to help you out. I have over 7 years hospital experience in the pharmacy department at a major hospital in Houston. I am not ignorant when it comes to safety of meds and trearment of what is going on with you. Thanks Christy Roberts

Rachel - posted on 06/07/2009

my doctor told me try to take a hot shower and when your in there for about ten minutes open the curtain and then open the bathroom door and that should help the milk come out because going from hot to cold helps too