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Breastfeeding Mommies, what is going on with me?!?!?

I have been breastfeeding my daughter her whole life (12 months). I feed her occasionally on the right side, but for my comfort, almost all her feedings are on the left side. Since Tuesday, when she eats, I thought at first she was teething (she has not one tooth as of now) just because it was mildly uncomfortable (for me) to feed her. Almost like when you push on a bruise, not hurting, just "tender". I am noticing today that it is getting a bit worse. Its still not bad, but it is mildly annoying even after she is not at the breast. I have had no problems breastfeeding her this whole time, be it cracked nipples, mastitis, clogged ducts, or whatever other possibilities exist. I don't have insurance for myself, although I do for my daughter, so I can't just go to the doctors. I am hoping that someone can offer me a suggestion as to what it could be, what I should watch out for, and/or what I can do to eliminate this from happening. Also, if you have any tips on weaning, I would love to have your input on that as well! By the way I don't have a fever or any other breast related symptoms. The only other thing going on is something weird with my ears (swimmers ear, but I am not sure as it doesn't hurt way bad!). Also, I am pretty sure I asked the moms, and from the looks of your avatar, you are a male, who has no personal experience weaning from breast feeding.

Public Comments

1. You should be feeding her from both breasts equally, for your own good.
2. Do your breasts feel hard? Try a warm compress and pumping. That usually helps me with pain, but that really depends on what is causing it... Here is a website you may find helpful: http://www.llli.org/
3. May be a clogged duct or mastitis. Try to continue nursing or pumping on that side. This is the only way the clog will clear. Ice the area too for comfort. You may also get a fever if it doesn't clear. PUMP, PUMP, PUMP or let your baby nurse whichever works for you. I would go with the pumping since you are looking to wean her. Weaning takes time, but with this issue I would wait unless you're gonna pump and discard.This would be a good time to introduce a sippy cup to your daughter.
4. Have her nurse a lot, and get into a position so that her chin is pointing towards the tender area (may require some acrobatics:-). Nursing on both sides is good, but if your body is use to you favoring one side, it should not be causing the problem. Pump if needed. Warm compresses will help too. If you are thinking of weaning I suggest going slowly removing one feeding at a time over the course of a week. Don't feel that you need to if you are not ready, nursing is so beneficial for toddlers as well as babies. Please check out kellymom.com for really good b/f info also!
5. I am breastfeeding my 3 week old twins and I have sore days. Sometimes feeding them helps a lot with the soreness, and sometimes it causes it. The worst was a few days ago when I burned my nipple on a hot pot (ouch!) but sometimes soreness just happens. When I have a sore spot in my breast I like to break out the electric pump and massage the sore area, to "release" anything that may be pent up. To wean I here the trick is to release just enough milk to be comfortable, and no more than that. To wean your child I know less about! I'd convert straight to sippy cups for a 12 month old, you would have to leave bottles soon anyway because it is bad for their teeth to have them past 16 months.