What does mastitis feel like?

[hairytaleofnewyork]

the bottom part of my right breast feels constantly engorged and hard even after my DD has fed. It's painful. What could it be?

Hard, hot, painful. Shivery, cold sweats, can't get warm. The worst!

Hi,
I had mastitis after both of my children, with the second baby it started in my left breast first. It becomes really engorged, like it was blocked and it felt lumpy. Then red patches appeared all over my breast and the patches felt hot to touch. The day after I felt really faint and had hot sweats and a high temperature. My midwife asked for some anti-biotics which did the trick after a couple of days. Definitely see your GP if it doesn't clear. Hope you get better soon!

Like flu without the snot
I get aches in my lower back - feels like I've been run over...lump in breast, sore to touch...I didn't realise I was supposed to go Dr for antibiotics I always take paracetamol!

This page on Kellymom has information about the symptoms of blocked ducts and mastitis.

Barebums, I think sometimes it clears up on its own but mine unfortunately didn't after taking paracetamol for a few days so i just popped to the GP for some antibiotics on advice from the HV :)

If your surgery has a nurse practitioner they are usually able to advise, have a look and give antibiotics if necessary. The kellymom site is good.

I've had mastitis a few times. If you get to the shivery/high temperature stage its worth getting antibiotics as you can go downhill very quickly (I was quite delirious on the floor in AnE and had drips etc!)

Thank you! I think it is more likely a blocked duct? I don't have any other symptoms just a very engorged bit of boob - feeding/expressing isn't helping.

Thank you! I think it is more likely a blocked duct? I don't have any other symptoms just a very engorged bit of boob - feeding/expressing isn't helping.

I didn't realise it could be that serious! I've been close to that but assumed it would pass (luckily it did) where I felt very very under the weather..
Ill be more careful if I get it again though!

Glad you are ok now though x

Just to update - I fed DD lying down last night and it cleared up whatever it was :)

hairytale I have this too - left boob = hard and lumpy no even after DS has fed on it.

When you say you fed lying down - how do you do this - and how did it help? Did it clear in one feed? I was planning to express on that side after every feed tonight and massage it at the same time? I've been told to massage it while DS is feeding but that makes the old boob a bit jiggly for poor old DS to stay latched on!

Sorry for the 20 questions, just wondered if I should try it?

Hi biscuits

I was shown a lying down bf position in hospital.

I lie sideways on the bed and dd lies down tummy to tummy - no pillows or duvet.

www.breastfeeding-problems.com/nursing-lying-down.html