Painful breast - no lump

[GentlyGentlyOhDear]

I'm ebf 4 week old ds and this afternoon my left breast has randomly become sore when I touch or knock it. The pain is inside the tissue all down the left side, but I don't seem to have any lumps or hardness and it isn't red or swollen.

I've done a couple of big feeds from this side and it feels really empty and deflated, but the tenderness/soreness is still there.

Is this likely to be mastitis or could it be something else?

[AnathemaPratchett]

It could still be a blocked duct - so a precursor to mastitis - without palpable lumps, or swelling. Check your nipple for any white dots or blebs - if they are hard they can be flicked/squeezed out with very clean fingers.
Otherwise try feeding from the affected side from above your baby - so baby on the floor on their back, you on all fours straddling with the breast dangling. Sounds stupid but can really help clear any blockages where you can't feel a lump to massage :)

[GentlyGentlyOhDear]

I've been massaging it and had a hot shower on it but I think I've made it even more sore!
I will try the feeding from above at the next feed thank you!

[AnathemaPratchett]

Hope it's feeling better. Any sign of shivering or feeling unbelievably crap, then out of hours for some antibiotics :( I've been feeding for 4 years straight now and have only once not been able to clear a blockage before it turned to mastitis :). And that included 6 months with a tongue tied dd1 who had an incredibly bad latch :)

[GentlyGentlyOhDear]

Just updating this in case anyone else has the same issue - the pain and tenderness gradually subsided yesterday and I've woken up completely pain free today. I assume the pain was either due to a blocked duct that I managed to unplug, or it was some sort of muscular thing.
Thanks for the advice anathema

[AnathemaPratchett]

Glad you're feeling better :)