Greetings from Australia
I have just seen a mother of a 4 month old baby, who was feeding with no
problems until 2 weeks ago. Since then she has had recurrent blockages of
one duct, at nipple level. She initially noted lumpiness of the corresponding
part of her breast (inner aspect right breast), and a white spot on her
nipple. When the blockage cleared with frequent feeds and massage later that
day, she noted the white spot had also gone. The blockage has recurred every
2-3 days since then, and takes up to 2 days to clear. On several occasions
she has expressed thick, cheesy 'milk' from the offending duct, which has
relieved the blockage and lumpiness, but there seems to be a residual plug,
as milk does not flow well from that duct, and there is still some whiteness
to be seen around the duct.
I have read about white spots on nipples in Minchin's book and Lawrence, and
know about all the usual ways of shifting blockages, plus Lawrences suggestions
of low fat diet and lecithin.
Does anyone else know of any way of breaking this cycle of repetitive
blockage. The mum is travelling to the States and New Zealand very soon, and
doesn't like the idea of trying to travel whilst also unblocking ducts
'on the road'. Any ideas or suggestions to help this mum would be appreciated.
PS She is very healthy, no medications, no nipple trauma, no thrush in baby
or mum.