Possible Mastitis, please help

[PracticallyImperfectInEveryWay]

My sister has got a 1 week old DS that she is breastfeeding.

She has now got a hard lump in one breast that feels very sore and bruised. She went to see the GP today and he has told her that he thinks it may develop into mastitis. He has ruled out a blocked duct and has said that obviously he can't prescribe antibiotics until it has developed but that she should try to do different things to prevent it happening.

She has tried massage in a hot shower, massaging as she's feeding and feeding off that side first (she initially thought it was a blocked duct). When her DS has drained the breast she said that it goes soft except for the lump which stays hard and painful.

I apologise for writing on someone else's behalf but she has no internet access at the moment.

Can anyone please offer any advice or suggestions as to how to fix this?

TIA

It does sound like a blocked duct, which can develop into mastitis.

What your sister is doing is correct, she needs to feed as much as possible, in as many different positions as possible. Preferably she should stay in bed with her new baby right next to here so she can latch on and off as often as possible.

She needs to rest as much as possible, mastitis is an infection that gets you when you are weak. I had it two weeks after giving birth, and I needed antibiotics to get rid of it. It should not stop her breastfeeding.

It sounds like a blocked duct to me too. I wonder why the GP ruled it out?
There's great info here from kellymom.com about blocked ducts and mastitis and how to deal with them.
If it is a blocked duct they can take a few days (sometimes longer) to clear but are common and not something to panic about
hth :)

sounds right what she's doing. does she have a fever? even a mild one would indicate mastitis and she would need anti biotics.
the hot shower thing really helps but tell her to hand express in the hot shower. also, to express on that side after baby has fed just to try and clear it even more.

she's doing the right things - bf as much as possible. Also check clothes & bra for any pressure on the breast. Even a car seatbelt, bag worn across, babysling.

Thanks so much for all of the responses, I really appreciate the great advice and will pass it all on. MN is such an excellent resource! :)

Also try a hot flannel over the lump

Sounds exactly like the blocked ducts I've had.

The breast nurse gel pads have been really helpful for me. I got mine at boots.

Can really recommend phytolacca - homeopathic remedy. I had mastitis after 2 weeks and had to have antibiotics. Couple of weeks later I had same tell tale signs, started aching, tender breast and then a red mark. I took these tablets on a recommendation as AB made DS so windy and sore tummy and they worked. Now carry everywhere and take on first sign of trouble!

Gel pads also fab - I also use hot water bottle for lumps before a feed as recommended on the La leche site.

Definately get her to look at her bra. I have had quite a few blocked ducts, and I'm sure they're caused by the top line of my bra digging in when I get a bit full.

I also second the expressing. I've not cleared one withour expressing yet - normally after several days of shower/massage, feed/massage etc, I resort to letting the breast get fairly full, then express it with a pump until completely empty (while massaging). Works every time for me.

Hope she manages to clear it without it developing into mastitis - I've had one foe nearly a fortnight without it going further than a hard marble sized lump, so keep trying to clear it - I don't think you'll need antibiotics unless you get other mastitis symptoms (though obv check with your doctor if you're worried ...)

Best information you get on this is from the charity The Breastfeeding Network they have a information leaflet with lots of self help information or you can call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 03001000212 from 9.30-9.30pm any day of the week. Wish her well.