Q: Milk Blisters?
Posted
Tuesday, November 13, 2007 11:14 AM
“I've been successfully breastfeeding
for almost 10 months, but all of the sudden I keep developing a milk blister on
my nipple. It's always in the same spot. Her latch and everything still seems
fine, any ideas?” --madhatter2003
Andi Silverman: If you have any type of nipple or breast pain, get help from a board
certified lactation consultant as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the worse your problem
can become. “Milk blisters” are small
painful blisters on the nipple. They are
sometimes connected to a plugged milk duct.
From the editors: In the meantime, try putting a
hot wet compress on the blister before nursing or pumping. Then, if
there's still a plug or skin over the duct, rub it with a washcloth and
try gentling scraping with clean fingernails. Start nursing on this
side. Also, if milk blisters are a recurring problem, talk to your
doctor about a lecithin supplement.

Guest breastfeeding expert Andi Silverman is the author of Mama Knows Breast: A Beginners Guide to Breastfeeding and a mother of two. Read her blog at www.mamaknowsbreast.com, and send your questions to editors@thenestbaby.com
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