Maffie

I was getting my boob out to feed Noah today and my left breast had a massive hard lump in it. It wasn't overly tender and when I started feeding the lump vanished (I'd say the lump was a good inch across at least). I was late feeding Noah as I was at the dentists. Anybody any idea what this is or what caused it?

soon2b6

I obviously dont know for sure but I would say it was a blocked milk duct, if you were late feeding and it disappeared then I would say thats it. I was told by my HV to massage the area whilst feeding to get rid of blocked ducts , which is kind of what you did. I would keep checking and go to the docs if you find it again or it continues to worry you.

MelanieF

Blocked ducts are potentially a problem as they can lead on to other issues. The key is to get the milk moving through and to avoid any build up. So feeding more frequently and if necessary expressing is the generic advice. There are some other ideas here: http://www.ivillage.co.uk/pregnancya...158130,00.html but if the lump's gone, and doesn't cause any more issues for you, perhaps you've already solved the problem?

Melanie

lyre

sounds like a blocked duct, i get this in one breast quite often. i make sure he empties the breast completely while feeding and i massage it at the same time. i also massage it in a hot shower. seems to work.

Maffie

Thanks everyone, just fed from that side again and no lump. Must say my nipples are tender but I think thats the cold weather sat with a hot water bottle as they hurt when they are really hard.

Noah has upped is feeding recently so I think I have been getting more milk

bana

i have this only on my good boob which is my left every morning, i thought this was a build up of milk as this is when i go the longest without lo feeding as hes asleep for a good couple of hours. I massage it before giving him a feed and it goes after, so blocked duct makes sense! x

lyre

also, sleeping without a bra helps

Maffie

I dont always sleep ina bra but im a bit of a daisy (a cow) as my oh puts it as I can be stood there and both my breasts just start flowing. They are like lethal weapons. They are even worse if Noah starts crying and it's like im bathing everything in milk.

avabear73

That will probably ease. At the start, I'd be feeding Finlay and the other boob would be leaking all over the place, but that doesn't happen anymore. I only leak first thing if I haven't expressed at night before I go to bed (which I do every night to empty both boobs).