Owww really sore breast help!!

[banana87]

DD is 8 weeks. Breastfeeding going really well with no problems.

I've woken with a VERY sore breast. It's not hard but extremely tender to touch and every suckle that she does makes me want to cry out in pain (both the nipple and the breast). The breast itself is sore enough to keep me awake like a migrane would.

I've had blocked ducts before but this feels different. No hot areas and other than being exhausted I don't feel otherwise unwell.

What do I do??

Just on feeling again there is a MASSIVE lump at the top of the breast. Blocked duct?

It could be a blocked duct

If it is, feed regularly from that side (but don't neglect the other side or you'll get them over there too), and try:

Massaging the lump and surrounding tissue in a nipple-wards direction before and during feeding
Massaging and hand expressing in the shower/bath
Have a look for a small white spot/blister on the end of your nipple. If there is one, it is probably a milk blister, where the end of the milk duct has sealed, stopping the mill coming out. In you google 'Kellymom and milk blister' there is some good advice.

If it doesn't clear in a few days or you get other symptoms, go to your GP.

Sounds like a blocked duct, advice I was given was to put an electric device on the blockage, like an electric toothbrush, the oscillations should help to shift it. A vibrator is also very handy for this!!!! ( yes my dh did come home from work one day to find me sitting on the sofa with my rabbit moving on my breast, and it worked!!)

Would a blocked duct also be painful when I lift my arm, roll of that side, etc? And make feeding very painful in both the breast and nipple?

Just need to make sure no one thinks OT could be something more sinister,

Temp 38.5

Bump

How do you feel in yourself? Sounds like it's developing into mastitis. If you feel even slightly fluey, please try to get in to GP today. Sooner antibiotics start the better.

Is the lump any bigger? Hows feeding going?

I feel exhausted and achy and have a headache. Was freezing but have taken neurofen so that's better. The lump is no bigger or smaller and it's still quite painful to feed ESP when I have a let down. Have phoned gp. Its mastitis isnt it?

Yes, sounds like it. But you've caught it early, and the antibiotics will work quickly. From experience, would suggest getting some Yakult to drink for while you're taking them, to try to minimise any tummy upset you get from ABs.

Hot water bottle or warm flannel on the lump when you feed DD will help too. Did you check for a milk blister?

Rest as much as you can...feed DD and yourself and the rest will have to wait til you feel better x

Yes I've been massaging from the lump to the nipple. No white spot that I can usually see when I have a blocked duct. Will try warm flannel. Dr wants to see me so have an appt booked. Thanks so much for your help