The idea for this piece of advice came to me this morning, after waking up with blocked milk ducts.  Any breastfeeding mums out there who have experienced this problem, will know that it can be excruciatingly painful.  I had this problem when breastfeeding my twins and i have had

it a few times with my current breastfed baby.

Blocked milk ducts present as a very painful lump or lumps in the breast.  Sometimes a group of ducts can be affected, causing a whole section of the breast to go hard and painful.

The first time i experienced this was definitely the worst.  I don't know if its because i am used to the pain now, or my subsequent blockages haven't been as bad.

Blocked milk ducts can happen from baby being fussy at the breast- i.e. off and on feeding, pulling, biting etc.  It helps to make sure baby is properly attached before settling into the feed, because if baby is not attached properly, he/she will latch off and on until attachment is comfortable.  It also helps to make sure baby doesn't have wind or is refluxy, as that can also cause fussiness (usually by arching back, away from the breast).  try winding or feeding  baby in an upright position if he/she is not staying attached.

Another cause of blocked milk ducts is ill-fitting bras.  Bras that are too tight in places can constrict the ducts and prevent proper emptying at feed times.  Bras should not have underwires for this reason.

If you are experiencing this painful condition, i find the following helpful:

~take some paracetamol/acetaminophin 1/2 hour prior to feeds.

~apply a heat pack to the breast immediately before a feed, as this helps the break up the blockage.

~apply a cold pack after feeds, to help soothe the inflammation.

~feed on the painful breast first, as it is less painful to have a letdown in a breast that is being fed on, than a let down in a breast that is not being relieved of milk.

~as painful as it is, continue to feed as normal.  Omitting feeds will only make it worse.  you don't want engorgement AND blocked ducts.  You just have to wait for your baby to suck out the blockage.

~try feeding your baby in a different position- as babies may put pressure repeatedly on the same spot, exacerbating the problem.  try a football hold (with baby laying under your armpit on a pillow) if you usually feed with baby across your body.  This also helps to empty ducts that don't usually get emptied completely.

~you may find that your baby vomits a bit more than usual.  I am not sure, but i think that my milk may go a bit lumpy when i have blocked ducts.

~it should clear up after a few feeds, but may take up to 3 days to feel completely better.

~you may want to see a lactation consultant if the problem returns. (just to help with attachment tips etc)

If you develop lethargy (being more tired than you usually are), malaise (tired, aching body), fever, flu-like symptoms, or your breast is red or hot (keep in mind the effects of the hot pack and ice), or you think your nipple is leaking something other than milk, you may have mastitis.  In this case, see your doctor, who will probably order a course of antibiotics for you.