Stopped Breastfeeding, Plugged Duct (I think) - HELP!

[Emmyjean]

I am so frustrated right now, I didn't know where else to go for some advice (hopefully). I stopped breastfeeding last week and switched to formula.

Everything with baby is going really well, but starting yesterday I noticed a hard lump in my breast, close to my armpit (not IN the armpit, so not a gland). It's killing me, and I also have been up and down with a low fever (about 100F). There are no red streaks and the fever isn't getting worse, so I don't think it's mastitis (which I have had before). I am pretty sure it's a plugged duct (most of the time there is no fever with that, but I do know it CAN happen if the fever isn't a high one).

Every single site I've been on to find home remedies tailor their response to breastfeeding women. All they say, over and over, is 'keep breastfeeding on that side to unclog', 'breastfeeding will cure it within 48 hours'. Problem is...I am NOT bf anymore! And my boobs aren't even leaking...there's nothing to even pump/express.

Has anyone else suffered this? I know applying heat/warm showers are good, but any other tricks? I really don't want to have to go into the doctor's office if I can help it...I don't even know who I'd call, my OB or my general practitioner.

 

[RoseArcana]

I would still suggest pumping a bit if you can even if no milk is coming as it should help move things down the ducts a little. Hot showers & baths are good like you said. I found a hot flannel on the area helped as well as some massage. Take some paracetamol for fever if you can. If your symptoms don't improve in 48hrs I would call your healthcare professional just to get checked over

Did you suddenly stop breastfeeding or gradually?

Hope that helps x

 

[BCMommy]

Warm compresses and massage the area. Another remedy is cabbage leaves. Some swear by it...

 

[detterose]

I had severe mastitis and it was so blocked nothing would come out when I expressed. I would get a hot pack, put it on my breast for a few minutes then go for a hot shower and firmly press down and massage the lump towards the nipple. Eventually after a few days of doing this I was able to get milk out. I was on a two week course of antibiotics though and had daily injections on penicillin too. Put a cold pack or cold cabbage leaves in your bra after. Hope you feel better, there's nothing worse!