Not producing as much milk and pain in breast

I've been producing about 3 1/2 oz per pump, but as of last night it started to slow down. I'm only getting half as much now as of this morning. On top of that my left breast has a big hard lump in it that hurts. No matter how much I nurse or pump it won't go down. Any suggestions or should I call my dr also do I call my ob or my primary care provider? Ugh so frustrated any advice is appreciated!

[tiredbuthappy]

oh no... sounds like a clogged duct. you have to get it out before it turns to mastitis (NOT fun). You can hold off calling the dr until you show signs of infection- if you develop fever, flu-like symptoms, or if the area because red and inflamed.

Everyone seems to have their own tricks for clearing clogs. I think Andi suggests nursing as much as possible, but in different positions. I have even read about people nursing from above their babies, dangling downwards. Before nursing/pumping, you can apply a warm compress or a warm shower, and try massaging/compressing the area. They can be very stubborn and hard to get out.
i did find something that worked for me every time. I felt a clog form, and panicked, because i had mastitis previously. My pump wasn't available, so i used to manual pump that came in the box with my pump in style- it looks like a bicycle pump and i would never use it normally because it's harsh on the boobs. Turns out it was extremely effective in clearing clogs though- i think because it allowed me to do some very long, hard suc.ks. If you have one of those, you may want to try it. after that incident, anytime i felt a clog develop, i used it successfully to clear it.

good luck and i hope it clears soon!

[NicMom]

Thank you! I'll give that a shot and hope it clears up on it's own.

[NicMom]

Thanks again for the tips. I took a hot shower before pumping/nursing tried using the hand pump and nursed in multiple positions. It took several nursing and pumping sessions, but it did clear up and the pain went away within minutes.

[tiredbuthappy]

oh thank goodness. sounds like you've avoided mastitis!!!