I weaned Cameron slowing over a course of 4 to 5 weeks. One bottle a week. I think he was completely weaned by the first week of May. So I have not nursed for almost 3 weeks. Towards the end I was only nursing on one side.

Today that breast is incredibly sore. The area that is sore is right beside the nipple on the areola. It is extremely sensitive to touch and at times I can feel a lump right near the surface just under the skin. It kind of feels like a plugged duct. The pain kind of radiates and seems to move as I move my had around the nipple.

Could I possibly have a plugged duct 3 weeks after nursing, if yes any suggestions?

I don't want to put him back on the breast he's no longer used to it and has a brand new tooth and my breast is really tender.

Should I try pumping, massage hot shower or call the doctor?

By Hlgmom on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 06:36 pm:

Yes it is possible.. I would definetely apply heat and massage. If that does not help in a couple of days then I would consult your doc as it could be an infected duct and you might need an antibiotic! But try a hot towel- hot as you can stand it and try leaning forward in shower with hot water running on it!
Good luck and feel free to email me at hlg mom @ hotmail.com if you want to talk about it more!

By Dawnk777 on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 - 11:12 pm:

I think I would call the doctor in the morning, myself. If you need antibiotics, you will just start feeling better, sooner. It sounds like a plugged duct, but I wouldn't want it to turn into mastitis.

By Heaventree on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 09:11 am:

The pain actually got really bad last night, so bad that I couldn't even touch the area lightly with my finger. I tried the shower and hot compress. It actually feels a little better today, but I'm still going in to see the dr. at 1:30.

Thanks!

By Kaye on Thursday, May 25, 2006 - 09:47 am:

Definitely see the doc. Another thing to ease things along....buy a head of cabbage. Put the leaves in your bra, then get a hot damp towel and put on top. What ever the cabbage leeches out while it is cooking helps dry out the milk ducts.