Mastitis advice

[NuzzleandScratch]

Have just been to see my GP, as my right breast feels sore and bruised on one side, which I can particularly feel when I lift that arm up. The skin in the area is also a little red. The GP felt that it could be the beginning of mastitis, and recommended ibuprofen initially, but to come back for anti biotics if things don't improve in 24 hours.

My daughter is 3 and a half months, and ebf. She had tongue tie, which was snipped at 9 weeks. However, it's been a challenge to get her to latch on properly, especially on the side that's currently painful.

So my question is, is there anything else I should be doing to help myself? The dr suggested pumping from that side after feeding. Do I really have to do that? I'm not sure I can face the constant washing & sterilising of the pump! The lady in the chemist suggested putting a hot flannel over the area before feeding.

Many thanks.

[NotQuiteCockney]

If you can feed on that side, with your daughter's chin to the lump, that might clear it.

And yes, I know, the lump is in a place it is hard to get your daughter's chin to - so lie your daughter flat on her back on your bed, and feed her on all fours. Not fun, but nicer than antibiotics!

If you are pumping to clear a lump, and have no plans to use the milk you pump, then you don't need to sterilise or clean the pump. FYI.

If the pain and redness goes away, but the lump remains, go back to the GP, as it may be an abscess.

[NuzzleandScratch]

Thank you, very helpful. That actually crossed my mind about the pump after I wrote my post, so thanks for confirming. I'll certainly try feeding her with her chin as you describe.

[NotQuiteCockney]

How is it feeling today?

[NuzzleandScratch]

How sweet of you to ask! Better thank you. I didn't pump yesterday, but I did feed her with her chin to the sore bit, so that must have helped!

[NotQuiteCockney]

Chin to the sore bit can work wonders, ime!

[NuzzleandScratch]