After almost 7 years of breastfeeding, here I am with a blocked duct, which I have no idea came from where. There were no signs of blebs or blisters, nor have our nursing patterns changed. But I had some pain in the nipple the last couple days when Ruvie nursed, and today when I was having my shower, I felt a sharp stab of pain when I was washing.
Heavens! Hiding sinisterly on the underside like a scheming serpent, was a swollen duct, right to the base of my breast. Upon massaging, it seemed to be clear nearer the nipple, but was there was quite a big lump at the source.
So begins my nightmare. I have always been afraid of plugged ducts, and vividly remember the early days of nursing Ray when I was so engorged and had to see a Lactation Consultant (Sister Linda Ho, thank you!). I also had a blockage just after I weaned Ray, about 3 years ago. That one did lead to mastitis, but thankfully, the fever didn't last very long and the whole thing was over pretty soon (though not soon enough for me).
As anyone who has nursed a baby for at least 6 months will know, once you have a blocked duct, the sooner you clear it the better. It will NOT just go away on its own. Ray and HL have both helped to massage the blockage, but the very last bit is just not going away yet. I'm hoping Ruvie will do HIS bit tonight and keep nursing that side (he's always changing sides every 30 secs).
Ahh... Breastfeeding is a rocky road indeed.
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