Well, I'm just thinking that if they come back in the *same* place, it's
probably related to a more 'local' cause, e.g, carrying a heavy diaper bag
or something like that. Otherwise, I'm wondering--and especially because of
the time when the problem started to manifest itself--I'd wonder if she is
just developing a huge oversupply problem. Over-distention is a frequent
cause of plugged ducts, as we all know.
I suspect you've tried this already, but since you didn't mention it, I'd
suggest having the baby suckle in several different positions, including
what I call the 'upside-down-lateral' position. Rotating positions can
improve drainage.
If she has used the 'vibrator' with any success, I can't see any reason to
discontinue that, as it would help 'break up' the stasis. The massage that
you're describing sounds great and should be continued.
>Marie asks,
>
>
>> Jan, these lumps that are all over her breasts: do you mean that when one
>> goes away, it comes back in a *different* place on her breast, or in the
>> same place?
>>
>> Also, how long has this been going on?
>>
>
>She can generally massage them out after a couple of days -- they don't go
>away immediately. I would say when I saw her yesterday (a brief, unexpected
>visit), I felt probably 6 or 8 hard spots on her breasts -- some larger some
>smaller. She gets rid of several, and then gets more -- sometimes in
>different spots, sometimes in the same. She's small breasted (Japanese), so
>they are pretty prominent. Instead of the showers, I've suggested a bowl of
>warm water so she can massage in the water -- she likes to do it in the
>shower, but it's getting pretty inconvenient, as you can imagine.
>
>Baby was born October 27, and she called me for the first time regarding the
>plugs on November 27, but they had been going on for awhile before that. So
>my guess is that they may have started sometime before Thanksgiving.
>
>She uses a lot of breast compression and massage during feeds; massages prior
>to feeds as well. Doesn't wear a bra at all.
>
>Ideas?
>
>Jan Barger in Wheaton
>
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--
Marie Biancuzzo, Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
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Resources to simplify breastfeeding management are available at
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