Had mastitis but couldn't find lump - will it come back

[Celia1978]

I'm just finishing a 7 day course of antibiotics for mastitis. Feeling fine now but I could never find a lump or obvious blockage that had caused it. Did a bit of massage and expressing and loads of feeding on the affected side but obviously because I could never find the cause of the problem I don't know if it's gone.
Am really worried that once I stop the antibiotics it will just come back. Boob feels pretty normal/soft at the moment - but then it did before I got sick I think! Any thoughts or experiences? Thanks!

[Psipssina]

It isn't always easy to find anything. Chances are if you have kept feeding, you'll have cleared it and not noticed.

What you want to be aware of is your latch - making very sure it is full on, and not painful, and that your baby is finishing one boob at a time before moving across - I think that's something to be aware of but advice may have changed since I was told it

I always find I get a blocked duct when I am not being careful he's latched on fully, ie lying more on my back while he feeds instead of turning slightly to the side so his face is opposite my boob iyswim.

If you make sure he/she is really engaged you will avoid some of the risks.

Also make sure your nursing bra isn't too tight. I only wear nursing vests now as it became a problem - there has to be no constriction around the breast or that can cause a blockage.

Google a site called Kellymom, it's very very good on mastitis and blocked ducts.