Please advice needed before next feed

[samsmother]

last week I went to the doctors with a pain in my right boob , one made worse when ds, 8m, feeds. At first I thought he was somehow scraping his bottom teeth against my nipple but on further inspection I realised the pain was under the nipple area and my whole boob was tender. The doctor couldn't find any symptoms of infection or mastitis and told me to come back if the pain persists. Anyway the pain seems to have eased off slightly but I get pain in and around the nipple when ds feeds. My worry now is when he was feeding at bedtime I noticed blood oozing alongside the milk. Do you think the two are linked? And why is my nipple bleeding? Should I be worried? But most importantly am I allowed to feed him if there is blood in my milk? Thanks

Traces of blood won't hurt baby but if there is a lot he might decide to give it a miss or puke up a bit. If you express some milk is the blood at beginning, at end or all through the milk stream?? There must be some source of inflammation if there is pain tenderness and blood so try a different position ( lying down or rugby hold)at next feed. it may be a blocked duct and DS is your best way to clear it...if not you probably need another check up. Good luck

Thanks joruth. I noticed blood mid feed and when I squeezed (v gently) it still oozed out. Ds continued to feed but now hoping it doesn't make him sick. I fed him this morning lying down and it still hurt so don't think it's positioning. If I notice it tomorrow I might go to the doctors again (or is a hv better qualified because I can go there tomorrow too))

I would probably go to GP as HV is likely to ref to them in case of need of antibiotics anyway and I'm sure you don't have endless time to spare...hope they have good experience of breastfeeding mothers....not all of us do. Best wishes.

PS i suggested changing position just to help milk flow...I'm sure you have the positioning sorted out perfectly!