So I have had a lot of problems with clogged milk ducts. It has been very frusterating. At first I contributed it to Nicholas being sick all the time and so his eating habits changed frequently. But it is out of control. I am sick of being in so much pain and not wanting to hold him because he squirms and touches my sore boob.

I first was told maybe to much sodium. I cut back and saw no improvements. THen I was told to try lecithin and have been doing this for about 5 days. I also was told that I could have an underlying infection so I am also being treated with an antibiotic. Before all of this I did have yeast in my milk ducts so I also treated that.
Nothing is working. This isn't a little clog that goes away in 24 hrs. It is at least half of my boob hard as a rock and can take a full week to get better. This last round is killing me it has been two weeks at least. First in was the right side up into my armpit. So painful. Then the day after that started getting better and not having shooting pains anymore the left breast became clogged. Half of my breast is hard as a rock and it is day 3. I am ready to give up. But my son will not take formula. I do not know what to do. I have pumped as well but sometimes I think that makes it worse.
Nicholas is almost 8 months old with GERD, asthma and a milk allergy.

Anyone have any suggestions or been through it? I am in tears over here. I need some releif!

Thanks you for listening if nothing else.
Briana

(((HUGS))) Briana!

My son would never latch and I pumped for 4 wks, then got a yeast infection and called it quits, so I'm not much help.

Have you checked with your local La Leche League? Their members are very knowledgeable.

I've also heard good things about a site called Kelly Mom. http://www.kellymom.com/

Yes I have done both.

Hi Briana! I feel for you - that sounds awful! I had mastitis twice early on with Roman, and a months-long battle with thrush that we finally beat in April, but your case sounds much worse!!! I'm not sure I'll be much help, but here goes:

First, you may want to take some probiotics while on the antibiotic because it can cause yeast infections (which is how we got thrush in the first place!). You certainly don't want another case of yeast on top of the mastitis! You're in enough pain already!

Second, my doctor told me that mastitis can be very hard to treat with antibiotics because it is a stubborn infection. If it doesn't clear up soon, make sure you let your doctor know and he may give you a stronger antibiotic. It may be worth a trip to your local health food store too. I asked at mine and she recommended a colloidal silver solution that I took simultaneously with my antibiotic. Not sure if it helped, but it certainly didn't hurt!

Third, is Nicholas eating full feedings? I know that when Roman's reflux wasn't under control, he would never finish a feeding because he would get uncomfortable, start arching and thrashing, then pull off screaming. If your breasts aren't being completely emptied, that can contribute to the clogged ducts!

I know how frustrated you must be. If you can't get better, I can understand why you'd want to wean him, but if he won't take formula, you can't! We were in that same boat ourselves. Roman refused to take a bottle until 7 months, and only recently will he accept formula. Even then, we have to mix his soy formula with soy milk (sweetened with cane juice - it comes that way!) or he won't drink it. Will Nicholas take a bottle of breast milk, just not formula? If he has a milk allergy, what formulas have you tried? soy? hypo allergenic? Could it be because he doesn't like the taste? You might try giving him formula mixed with breastmilk, or soy or rice milk, or even juice, until he gets used to the taste.

I'm so sorry that you are suffering. I hope you find some relief soon. Keep us updated! :hug:

Sorry I am not much help, but I can sympathize. I have mastitis for the 4th time and my daughter is only 10 weeks! These kids better appreciate what we go through for them.
We have an ask the lactation consultant in the ask the experts section, she may be able to help you out. Good luck!

Oh, btw BabyFan1, your kids are gorgeous! I love your siggy pics!

:hug: , honey, I'm really sorry! I know you don't want to give up...I know exactly how you feel.

Luckily, I never had too many problems, but I had a few clogged ducts, but most went away in a day or so...you must be dying!!!:sad5:

The LC at my GYN told me to get in the hottest shower I could stand and just let the milk run. I massaged them (as much as I could stand), and just tried to kinda work it out. I squeezed and just let as much milk run out as I could, and then I got out, pumped immediately, and iced myself (LOL, a sports bra and a bag of frozen peas worked wonders for me!). I tried to alternate heat and ice, and I was taking Tylenol to get thru it too.

Other than that and calling either LLL or the LC at the hospital, I don't have much other advice to give, unfortunately. :hug: , good luck, and I hope things get better soon!!!!!

Okay,so on the left it is a typical clogged duct but the right side is acting. It is different. Very painful, burniing and very small and large knots. Something is up with it bit not sure what. Nick has an appt at the childrens hospital today and I am giong to ask to talk to someone there.

Good idea! When Ava was in the NICU and I was trying to learn to BF a baby that was hooked up to tubes and probes and IVs in every limb, we had a really, really great LC to help me out. I really hope they can take a look and offer you some good advice...that right side sounds really painful!

Ugh--Mastitis is no joke and I don't blame you for feeling as if you want to throw in the towel. :-(

Literally, Cari and Lindsay gave you exactly the info I was going to (hot shower, probiotics, questions about feedings, antibiotics, etc.). Please watch out for fever, chills, etc., as these can signal a serious infection.

I am so glad you're going to talk to the LC at the hospital. Also, know that LLL has LCs that will come to your house and help you, if you need. Most leaders are pretty cool and very helpful. :-)

Please let us know what happens. I'll be anxious to hear how you're doing. :hug: :hug:

Okay, she doesn't think it is mastitis. She thinks it is still yeast. That is what I had thought but 2 rounds of diflucan and it went away for a few days and then came back. She wants me on the meds for at least 10 days. The clogged duct issue from the other breast is still the same. She recommended I do what everyone said. So I feel a little bit better and hope this new med. will get things under control.

I will keep you updated. Thank you everyone for your replies!

I hope it helps and you will be feeling better soon.

Lindsay you beat me to the hot shower thing. I had clogged milk duct twice when I was breastfeeding Desi and it is not fun. Like Lindsay said the only thing that helped me was a hot shower. I hope it works for you.