I have been breastfeeding my son for 3 1/2 months and I just started experiencing tenderness in my left breast up by my armpit. I do not have a lump or redness and my nipples are fine. I lifted light weights the other day. Could I have strained something or do you think it is something else? Anyone have a similar feeling?
2007-10-27 08:28:44 · 4 answers · asked by a sanchez 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
If you develop fever or aches in the next day or so, it could be mastitis, and at that point you might also notice some redness.
But most likely it's a plugged milk duct. They do go way up and deep into the breast tissue. You might try a warm compress and massage on that part while your son is nursing to encourage the duct to flow freely again.
If you lifted weights it would seem like you should be sore on both sides, not just your left side.
2007-10-27 08:32:56 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It could be from lifting weights or you could be developing an infection from a clogged duct or just a clogged duct. Even if it's an infection the best thing you can do is to continue nursing, it doesn't hurt the baby and it helps the infection. If it's just the clogged duct the only thing you need to do is nurse your baby as much as possible on that side. If you get a fever or other signs of a breast infection go see your doctor.
2007-10-27 16:57:00 · answer #2 · answered by Violet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be a pulled muscle or it could be a plugged duct. The treatment for both is remarkably similar. Heat/Ice and massage. Breastfeeding more on that side may help if it is a plugged duct.
If you see any stringy or clumpy milk coming out of your nipple, or a blister, it is important to clear as much as possible by using tweezers and by expressing/breastfeeding.
If you run a fever it is possible the plugged duct has become mastitis and *may* require antibiotics.
More on plugged ducts and mastitis:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
2007-10-27 15:58:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My first guess would be a clogged duct... probably not anything to do w/ weights - but possible.
nursing a lot on that side, massaging it in a hot shower, and maybe a hot compress and little massage right before nursing. Our milk glands can be far reaching... so I'd start there.
IF that does not resolve with just a little extra attention, call your doctor &/or contact an IBCLC for more help...
this is on plugged ducts and mastitis: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
2007-10-27 16:03:17 · answer #4 · answered by Tanya 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋