Not Again! (Boob Problems)

I've had a few posts about clogged milk ducts and here I am again with, you guess it, clogged milk ducts. Liam was nursing today and something just didn't feel right. I decided to take a quick hot shower to hand express when I was surprised to find out that I had clogged milk ducts in both breasts (noooooo!!).

I really need to figure out why this keeps happening. Liam nurses off and on during the day but mostly at night. I'm going to try to pay attention to Liam's night feedings and try to record the times that he eats (which is hard since I usually sleep right through the feedings).

When I mention clogged ducts, a lot of people ask if I plan to start weaning Liam soon and the answer is no. I am dedicated to breastfeeding and if I have to deal with clogged ducts so be it. I love the bond breastfeeding has created between Liam and I (at least for the next 7-8 months).

Hotel Living

Liam and I are back in home after a week (well until Thursday) in our hotel. It's wasn't too bad now that we've gotten the hang of things. We had a little mix up Monday morning so he ended up coming to work with me for a few hours. It was definitely different and messed up my pumping schedule. I let Liam nurse on one side and didn't pump the other, big mistake. Let's just say, I'm definitely paying for it later. Lesson learned: Change in pumping/nursing schedule = Engorgement and possible clogged milk duct.

Since our work/daycare/hotel adventures have begun, I have realized Liam is becoming such an independent baby. He has started to entertain himself and loves to play with his toys. But by far, his favorite thing to do is stand. It's amazing how just eight months ago, he was a little guy and now he's such a big boy.

My First Plugged Milk Duct

Yesterday was not a good day in the land of Mommy/Liam breastfeeding. Monday, I had a horrible headache so my mom watched Liam for me so I could lay down. Well, laying down = 4 hour nap, a missed breastfeeding session and a plugged milk duct.

Okay, I will admit it. I am a bit of a worrier. I can turn any problem into something huge so I was pretty sure I had mastitis. I googled my butt off and once I felt confident, I started the treatment process. After lots of massaging, pumping and three hot showers (Sorry Mother Earth), I finally was able to get the duct unplugged. Oh, Happy Day! It was still a little sore and I had a little pain when Liam nursed last night but this morning I feel great.

Lesson learned: I will definitely take more time during feedings and while pumping. Oh, and no more four hour naps for me.