I've been breastfeeding my baby since birth for about 3 weeks now and noticed some lumps on my breasts since the beginning. They are not painful unless I press on it or squeeze it, which I try to do whilst breastfeeding but it does not seem to make them go away. They are also not red and not noticeable visably. Are these blocked milk ducts? If not, do I need to do anything about them? (if they are blocked milk ducts, I've read on other threads what needs to be done to clear them). Also, I also got a white blister (like an acne with pus inside) on one of my nipple which is painful to be touched. I read from the other thread that it needs to be pierced with a sterilised needle preferably by a doctor or lactation consultant to reduce the risk of infection. If there are any other way of removing it, please let me know. What causes these blisters and how can they be prevented? Any advice appreciated!
Blocked milk ducts
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Sounds like blocked milk ducts --and the best way to rid of them is to get baby to nurse more often. Make sure you drain the breast completely or those blocked milk ducts might get you mastitis, which is a real pain (chills, temperature, and you might end up having to take antibiotics). For your own peace of mind, though, you might want to consult a doctor/lactation specialist.
Regarding 'white blister' --I had that, too, and was worried, but I just persisted and got the baby to still nurse on that breast and it went away by itself after about 1 week. Yes, it was painful, but you just have to do it. I'd forgotten what it's called, but do a search on the La Leche League website and also www.kellymom.com and they will explain what these are and what you can do about them.
Good luck --and do keep up with the breastfeeding. It gets better and easier as you go on. The baby will feed more efficiently and it gets less painful.
Regarding 'white blister' --I had that, too, and was worried, but I just persisted and got the baby to still nurse on that breast and it went away by itself after about 1 week. Yes, it was painful, but you just have to do it. I'd forgotten what it's called, but do a search on the La Leche League website and also www.kellymom.com and they will explain what these are and what you can do about them.
Good luck --and do keep up with the breastfeeding. It gets better and easier as you go on. The baby will feed more efficiently and it gets less painful.