Marie, I showed my nipple to a friend because it hurts, and she saw a white spot on the tip of my nipple. I don’t know what to do, but it is very sensitive when I breastfeed my baby. Can you help? Thanks, Charlie
Ok, Charlie, I think you have a blocked milk duct, but you should have it seen before confirming. Here are a few explanations.
Breast milk can sometimes stagnate, coagulate and block a milk duct. This isn’t serious, but it can cause discomfort. Here are a few suggestions that might help:
- You can place heat on your breast before and during breastfeeding to try and dilate the duct. Your baby may suck out the milk clot
- You can change position during breastfeeding to change latching. The baby’s nose should be oriented towards the blocked duct to promote draining
- You can take a glass half filled with very hot water. Place your breast in the opening so that the heat vapour dilates your nipple pores and ducts
- Use an electric toothbrush to try to break up the clot using vibrations
- Ultrasounds are also another way to fragment the milk clot. You can learn more at https://mariefortier.com/ultrasons-et-allaitement/
- A health professional can even pierce the white spot at the tip of your nipple with a sterile needle to remove the curdled milk, which will relieve the pain.
Charlie, I think that covers some of the things you can do in your situation, and hope you continue breastfeeding your little one.
Talk soon,
Marie
The Baby Expert
