Plugged Duct?

[@llli*lovebug0411]

Thanks to the support of the wonderful women on this board (and my mom; I can't forget her) we made it to a year!! Unfortunately, now I suspect I might be developing a plugged duct, and I'd appreciate any suggestions.

Here's what's going on: About a week after my son turned 1, we dropped one nursing session. He's never been the best nurser and was showing little interest in that session in particular, so I decided to drop it, and he doesn't care. For more than a week now, he nurses at 7 am, upon waking, and then he nurses again between 11:45 and 12, before lunch. I haven't had any engorgement, but when I nursed him at noon today, I noticed a small section on the right side of my left breast that appeared to be lumpy (like it was engorged, except I don't think that's usually where I notice engorgement). It was a little painful and got slightly better after he nursed. I tried hand-expressing, but not much came out. Just now, when I fed him before dinner, I noticed the same thing. Am I developing a plugged duct? Is 7 - 11:45 too long a stretch for him? I thought that after a year it would be ok for him to go this long. Any suggestions?

[@llli*joe.s.mom]

I think it's fine to nurse on demand at this age, and if demand is lower than it used to be, well, that's normal. (It's also normal to have it be higher than it used to be, BTDT. But anyway.)

But you might be getting a clogged duct. It sounds like it. Have you tried massaging that spot while he nurses? What about getting into a hot bath or shower and massaging it under wet heat? Most clogs can be broken up just with a little bit of massage. Past a year, clogged ducts are uncommon, but in my experience, when they do show up, they can be a bit stubborn. You might have to keep at it for a couple of days to completely clear it up.

[@llli*lovebug0411]

Good to know. I will continue to massage it while he nurses and hope that helps. Hopefully it goes away soon. I appreciate your feedback!

[@llli*mtmama]

massage and heat combined with nursing works best for me. good luck!

[@llli*inGodstime]

I had one a few weeks ago. I also got rid of it by massaging it real hard while sitting hunched forward with the breast hanging if you know what I mean?

Hope it clears soon!

[@llli*mtmama]

I also nurse with my baby laying down and my breast dangling.

[@llli*lovebug0411]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I'm trying the suggestions and have noticed some improvement, so here's hoping that it goes away entirely soon!

[@llli*phi]

with all of the PPs! I've also needed to switch up nursing positions throughout the day to get the clog out.