Good Friends... and Boobs

Yes. You read that right. I said boobs. Get over it.

Several nights ago, I was having major breastfeeding issues - clogged ducts. For anyone who's ever nursed their babies and experienced circumstances similar to this know how incredibly painful it is. It got to the point (beyond tears) where I thought I may have to fore go the whole nursing thing and switch to formula. The thought killed me. She's only 2 months old and it broke my heart to think that quitting may be the end result.

So what did I do?

• Prayed.
• Emailed my girlfriends asking for advice.
• Took a SCORCHING HOT shower and massaged the lumps as best I could without passing out from pain.
• Took a pill of 600mg ibuprofen.
• Went to bed.

Thankfully, I woke up a new woman. Delaney and I are back on track and all is well in the breastfeeding department.

But I wanted to share the emails I received from my wonderfully caring friends. Rest assured I will not name names who these fabulous advice tips are from... but enjoy nonetheless. You gals are the best!!

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Do you have more than one clog?

Frequent nursing in different positions
Massaging the sore area before and during nursing (painful, I know)
Warm wash cloths before nursing
Bite on a stick while nursing (totally kidding)
Make sure your bra fits okay
Don't go too long between feedings, especially right now

I'm so sorry. I know how much that hurts!

You can take tylenol to help before nursing/massaging.

I think that if it doesn't unclog it can become infected so you need to watch out for a temperature.

I get a clog every now and then. I hate them, they hurt so much. I told (my husband) that someone needs to invent boobie drano. :)

Good luck Rach!

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Motrin will thin the fluid in the tissue. Not usually recommended while nursing, unless in extreme cases. This would qualify.Tylenol relieves some pain but doesn't have the ability to reduce inflammation. Do you have a fever? Keep an eye on that too. Cold bags of fruits and veggies. Heat will expand everything. If the heat helps you, alternate cold to hot. Long periods of heat can assist bacteria to grow. Cold can also help shrink some swelling. But you really need to call (doctor's) office in the morning, UNLESS you have a fever of 101 or higher, then call now. That's the medical side of what I can suggest; but as a friend, I can say that I tried it all, but at this point, stress along with frustration, also plays a big role! You probably won't believe that I'm telling you this but, ask Martin to go get a small can of Carnation Good Start. Feed her a couple ounces and get some sleep. Delaney will sleep longer because it takes longer to digest, and you can take a break. 2-3 Motrin IB's, 2 bags of frozen peas in your bra and a warm bed. Don't feel guilty about formula, she still gets what she needs, and your milk supply is already established. But what about being engorged? Motrin will help and so will the peas. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I will even go to the store if you need anything. I have been there and I know how desperate you can get in that situation. Just know that there will be an end to this! It's easily cured and you can enjoy breastfeeding again. Sorry to ramble on. I'm serious, call me if you need anything. I'm still up and dressed.

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Heating pads worked great for me! I also had these round things you can put in the freezer or microwave (get them at Target in the nursing aisle) and helped a ton also.
Hope it helps!

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Are you using any disposable nursing pads? If you are switch to the reusable, washable nursing pads. Gerber sells them in packs of six at Target. I have never used disposables without getting clogged ducts. Other than that, just keep doing what you are doing and if that isn't relieving you at all, go see your Dr!!! I hope this gets better!!! LOVE YOU!!!

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You are probably already doing this but - just in case you're not: massage while nursing - I keep doing it even though it hurts like heck, hot compresses with massage, Ibuprofen (600mg/g whatever it is) is a big help and necessary - it helps with the inflammation.
I know it can be so horrible and I wish there was some magic answer. If it really isn't getting better - you could ask for a blessing. I know that sounds a little bit silly, but if it is a real concern to you and Delaney then it is of real concern to Lord.
I don't know - good luck!!!

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Call the lactation specialist at (the hospital). Talk to the coordinator, ******. Her # is ***-****. Hopefully you are doing better by now though. I am so sorry! This gal has saved me at least 5 times and is a miracle worker, even just over the phone. I promise.

love **, hope you are okay!

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And now, since we're on this lovely topic of boobs, one more email from one of my closest and dearest friends. A week ago or so, she and I emailed back and forth about bra shopping. After returning home from her shopping venture, this is her email to me. It's laugh out loud funny. I love you, dear girl.

OK, so the bra shopping was HY-STER-I-CAL!!!!!. Literally, ***** and I couldn't breathe we were laughing so hard. When the lady measured me she thought I was a 36 B or C (That was in me bra). Well it ended up I actually am a DD. Cause by the time you fold up and tuck in the 8 inch vertical hang - that's the size I need in order to get it all in there with no leftover seepage. After trying on at least 30 bras I'm convinced it's not a bra I need but serious surgery. I want em high but any kind of push up just makes them jiggle over the edge. And if I do any kind of proper support they're just low and ENORMOUS. What I need is to cut them off and start fresh. I don't even think they could do anything with these. Anyway, I'll tell you all the things they said when I see you. I'm depressed.

So there ya go. My first and most likely last post on boobs.