Bruised feeling in breasts: DS1 1 month old

[spannermary]

I'm a new mum to a lovely 1 month old baby, and have been ebf-ing. He enjoys his food, feeds 2-3 hourly during the day and 3-4 hourly during the night.

I've had issues with oversupply and really leaky boobs and so have been feeding on one breast each feed, switching each time. I also think I may have Raynaud's in my nipples (I used to have it in fingers/toes) as they tend to go white and very painful several minutes after a feed, and are permanently standing to attention!

But now I have a new issue - a very bruised feeling in my breasts on the inside (not the nipples - but the bits that touch each other IYSWIM). Is this something I need to be worried about, and is there anything I can do about it?

Thanks!

The only time I had a bruised feeling was when I wore an underwired bra. For several days I felt like my breasts had been battered and couldn't figure out why

Congratulations on your LO!

Not sure what this is - could be a blocked duct, or some sort of infection, or superficial bruising as Valeria suggests. Is it in both breasts? Deep inside or on the surface? And when do you notice the discomfort most - during feeds, after feeds, between feeds, all the time ... ?

Thanks, zoobmeister and Valeria. In answer to your questions, I am wearing a cotton non-underwired bra which is very soft and I change frequently, although I do have to wear one at night so I never really get a break. (think a leaky Dolly Parton & you're not far off!)

As for the bruising, it's worse on my left breast, and seems to be coming from fairly deep inside, but there's no discernible lump or bump. It hurts most when I get ready to feed: i.e. when I have to move my breast. Feeding is no more painful than usual & only hurts when he latches on.

Also when I hug DH - ouch that hurts! It reminds me of being 6 weeks pregnant!

Hmm...blocked duct maybe? Shall have to start massaging. Although that is going go be pretty painful.

Thanks for the advice!

Spannermary - Here is some information on plugged ducts - do you think any of it applies to you? There is also self help info too.

If it doesn't sound right then have you got access to a bf counsellor or can you phone one of the bfing helplines (scroll down a bit - blue box on the right)?

That was the start of mastitis for me. Have a look at your boob in the mirror - any red patches?

Thanks for the links, Truth - I've had a good read and am now making sure I keep warm, massage and have popped an ibuprofen. It's reassuring to see that plugged ducts don't require antibiotics, so I can try and treat without going to GP (I have a BP appointment at the surgery on monday so if things get worse over the weekend that's a good back up.

Iggly I've had a good look and can't see any redness, which is a relief. God, mastitis would be awful! Definitely going to be rigorous with managing the symptoms I've got to try and stop it developing. We have a bf clinic but it was this morning & my husband's at work with the car so I'm a bit stranded (we live in a country village)

How are you feeling today Mary?

Good morning, Truth. Well yesterday I massaged like a woman possessed - whilst watching TV, before & after feeds & basically whenever I could grab a moment. I also kept my breasts warm, and didn't do too much.

This morning, (after sleeping much later than usual and going to bed earlier!) whilst the bruised feeling is still there, it is less intense than yesterday. Definitely a big improvement!

Thank you! It looks like your advice may have helped me ward off a bout of mastitis!

I'll keep an eye on it, and keep massaging a bit just in case, but I am mighty relieved...