Mastitis if no fever or flu symptoms

[Oldermum84]

I'm waiting for a call back from 111 but goodness knows how long that will take...

I have a painful lumpy right breast... I'm breastfeeding a 5 month old. It started yesterday lunchtime and there was a small red patch on it which has know spread across the whole to of my breast and has reddened.

I originally thought it was just a clogged duct but with the redness I'm thinking it is mastitis, but I don't feel ill at all and have no fever.

Aibu to ask for antibiotics from 111 in this situation, or will it just go away (I'm doing the usual hot and cold treatment, massaging, lots of feeding and ibuprofen). Am on my own as DH is away so a bit panicky.

Sorry you're suffering :( I've had this once and didn't need antibiotics, it went within a couple of days. The advice has changed (although still incorrect info online) and heat/massage is no longer advised as it increases inflammation. Cold compress is much better and ibuprofen as you're doing. If you're not feverish, I wouldn't ask for antibiotics, but that is coming from someone who gets very sick from them. I hope you feel better soon!

The red patch means I’d definitely push for antibiotics. It can soon become more flu like etc and you’re better off treating before that happens. Keep doing what you’re doing in the mean time though.

I would call 111, get seen and get onto antibiotics to clear it. Also try cabbage leaves to reduce swelling (natural anti-inflammatory) and use cold compress as advice has changed recently from heat. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Thanks everyone... I was going to have a hot bath after the baby is in bed and try more massage. I take it that would be a bad idea then?

@Oldermum84 an ice pack wrapped in a towel worked well for me. I also did a hot bath to start with and realised it made it worse

@CatMad22 thanks, tele and ice pack it is!

As a PP has said, massage is now know to increase inflammation, would you massage a sprained ankle?
Feed feed feed as much as you can in as many different positions as you can (dangle feeding anyone)