could this be mastitis?

[vnmum]

can anyone help me please, for the past two days i noticed a shooting pain on feeding in my left breast, thought it was the start of thrush. then today i have noticed a large hard area and the skin is slightly red looking. i had these symptoms on samr breast when i had a blocked duct but this time i have a headache, and feeling hot all time, my temperature is 37C. couyld this be the start of mastitis and if so should i try to get emergency appt at docs over weekend

[zubb]

sounds like mastitis so would try to get to the doctors this afternoon for a prescription if you can.

[vnmum]

thanks zubb, i managed to get the blockage cleared over saturday with feeds, heat etc and started to feel better after a good rest.

However, after ds not feeding very well yesterday (teething) and not doing his 3am feed thgis morning, i know have another blocked duct and red patch. has anyone any advice on why ive had this twice in less than a week and what can i do

[Notquitesotiredmum]

VNMum

If it is mastitis - and it certainly sounds like it - you don't have to have antibiotics if you don't want to, if you catch it early.

At the first twinge, or red hot needle sensation, take ibuprofen - then feed at every occasion possible from that side (if necessary expressing a little from the other side to avoid problems developing there).

Mastitis is an inflamed milk duct, so swollen on the inside. If you take the anti-inflamatories (quite safe when feeding, avoid if trying to conceive/pregnant) then the swelling is reduced and you can clear the milk through the duct with baby's help - perhaps with a little hand massaging if you feel lumpy. Baby won't mind milk that is a little yoghurty. You only actually need antibiotics if the area has become infected, simple Ibuprofen will clear the problem just as effectively and slightly quicker too.

(I fed both dss for three years each. Had a few episodes of mastitis, always when they had changed their feeding patterns - like starting nursery etc. It's horrid and I took antibiotics first time on the advice of my GP, only to find out the above advice from our wonderful breast feeding clinic second time around. Never needed antibiotics again.)

If the problems persist, obviously do see your doc. and breastfeeding clinic. Good luck.

[vnmum]

hi, i took ibuprofen as suggested and it worked, its now eased, im still offering that side first and expressing just to make sure, but thanks very much for the advice