What’s wrong with my breasts?

[Sabee]

Hi

I currently have mastitis for which I am taking antibiotics.

However both breasts feel very very sore - they are swollen a bit and it’s hard to move position as the pain extends throughout the breast.

I don’t think they are engorged as they’re not hard?

I’m not wearing a bra at all - could the fact they are unsupported cause this pain?

They really are quite painful and I can’t even turn in bed without them hurting - and when I get up from bed, it’s really painful.

Any ideas?

[notmytea]

It sounds like they're full, or areas are full suggesting blocked ducts. Are there any lumps you can feel that might be milk backed up?

[Sabee]

I know the side which has mastitis may have blocked ducts but not the other side - I poke them and they are just sore throughout

[Harrysmummy246]

Sounds like blocked on both sides. What happens if you try to hand express?

Oh and you will feel like CRAP with mastitis

[Sabee]

Thank you both for your replies

Looks like it’s blocked ducts then

I will try massaging

Unfortunately I have never got the hand of expressing milk by hand

I do feel absolutely crap - I get fevers and chills at night - even though I’ve had it before it seems particularly bad this time

[notmytea]

Hot shower and really push those ducts to get them emptied. Check for white spots on the nipple too, could be blebs blocking the ducts, if so follow the kellymom advice - I used to have to pop mine with a sterilised needle

[Minkies13]

Could it be ductal thrush? I got that and it was like a burning ache feeling deep in my breasts that extended to my back... Hard to describe. There were no other obvious symptoms like baby having patches in her mouth etc

[GrandmaSharksDentures]

Are you still feeding? Feed as much as you can then keep feeding some more. Draining the breasts is very important to help resolve blocked ducts.
Have you ever looked at the "kellymom" website? It's very American but I found it so helpful when I was struggling with breastfeeding