(BF - TMI?) Help please? Is this a blocked duct? Mastitis?

[primalero]

I have a two-week old and have had a few issues with latching, cracked nipples, pain etc...

Today I noticed that the grazed-looking nipple seems to be healing, it looks a bit like a scab. On the same side, I have a red patch covering maybe one-sixth or one quarter of my breast. I've tried hot flannels on the red patch and I've tried expressing but can't get anything from that area. I can still feed on that side but don't think the red area is draining. Any ideas what it is and what I can do? thanks

Is it painful ? If it's red, painful and rock hard strong chance it is mastitis although I'm a bit dubious as you said you're trying to express from that breast! If that's the case then it seems it not paining you and might be something else, why don't pay a quick visit to you HV ?

The red area is getting bigger (since lunchtime today) but isn't painful. My HV isn't available until Monday, when I'm due to see her anyway. Hopefully it'll be sorted by then!

From what you say, it sounds like it may be a blocked duct.

Have you tried massaging towards the nipple? Heat and massage before feeding can help a feed go well.

Does it feel better after feeding?

I would not bother with expressing but put the baby to that breast as much as possible.

I've had mastitis 4 times so far (ds only 3mo!!). Try 'dangle feeding' where you dangle boob over baby who is lying down (although I had trouble with this when ds was that young). Kellymom do a good section on the difference between mastitis and blocked ducts. If you've not got a fever then it's probably a blocked duct (I'm just going on what I've read, I'm not an expert or anything). But if left unresolved it could quickly become mastits. Might be worth going to see the gp today (if you havent already) and getting antibiotics, you dont have to take them yet but good to have them the moment you suspect mastitis.

Rhanks everyone. The red patch has died down. I tried hot compresses, frequent feeds and a bath yesterday and it seems that these things have worked for me.

Plus I now know what to do if it happens again or if I suspect mastitis.

Good luck!