I have been breastfeeding & pumping for 4 1/2 mos and am experiencing, sharp, throbbing pain after feeding or pumping. It is not consistent (it may be weeks in-between experiences) and I have been unable to pinpoint it to any specific reason. I've asked my doctor and she checked for blocked ducts - found none. The flow and quantity has not changed significantly. It takes about 15-20 minutes for it to subside on its own, or a warm compress helps it go away. I've checked with hotlines, too and have been told to check for blocked ducts and use a warm compress. I am a very laid-back happy person who rarely gets worked up, so I don't think it could be stress either. Has anyone had experience with this before? Why, how, where, what to do??
Hello,
I nursed both of my boys and that was normal for me to experience that feeling! It would come and go. Everyone else I talked to said the same. It can get very painful. That is good that you had the doctor check it out, he/she would notice if it were anything more serious. Hot showers were always very relieving for me. Keep up the good work!
I am not sure if the pain I have is similar to yours, since I don't have it very often and although it is sharp it usually goes away. I've heard it may be yeast infection in your breast as well. I'll keep reading your post to see what other moms says too.
I just wrote to say, I think the Olathe Medical Center breastfeeding support group is now the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. I hope to go to a meeting soon and can ask about this problem for both of us.
Good luck finding relief!
R. -
I've BTDT - twice! When you feel the pain - do you notice that your nipples turn white and then red?? It could be a form of Raynaud's syndrome - blood vessels constrict and restrict circulation in extremities. (And warm compresses are an excellent idea!) I have it in my hands and feet - and breasts when nursing.
I'll bet your daughter is going through a growth spurt - and she may have changed her nursing position and/or latch technique. (Both my kiddos became "lazy" at about 4-5 months. It was like starting all over again!! ARRRGH!!)
If you've never attended La Leche or another support group - then I highly suggest the Breastfeeding Support Group at Olathe Medical Center. It's a good way to learn from other moms. Brenda - the nurse lactation consultant is WONDERFUL!! She can usually pinpoint any problem within minutes. The meetings are on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. (I still have some very good friends that I met through that group six years ago.)
Good luck and keep me updated on what you find out.
I also had this pain and went to the doctor and they told me it was a yeast infection in my breast. They can give you antibiotics for it I think. It was a throbbing, sharp pain in my left breast that would occur after each feeding (so when the milk was drained). You might check with your doctor again if it still persists.
R. - I too had this pain after I would nurse my son. So, I called my girlfriend who is a La Leche League leader for answers....you are probably experiencing a "let down pain". This sometimes happens after the baby "drains" your breast and your body is trying to "release" more. Google that or go to the la leche league webite. www.lalecheleague.com
Good luck and keep nursing!! It will eventually go away...
S. S.
