Does this sound like mastitis?

[conkertree]

I have had pain in my left breast since about 2.30, and I then started feeling faint and sick. I wondered if I was dehydrated but have had a couple of glasses of apple juice and dont feel better. Have been feeding ds3 (8 mths) on that side, but still sore, and feeling increasingly shivery.

Nearly fainted collecting ds1 from nursery. Hoping dh is home soon.

Is it best to take some ibuprofen and drink water? At what stage do you need to see a doctor?

Anyone? The first finger in my right hand also feels like it has gone to sleep, but I abent been lying on it and cant get it to go back to normal.

Meant to say - I meant right breat not left, so same side as the finger. Dont know if that is significant, f I am being a hypochondriac. Just feel rubbish.

I've just added my own topic with a bf issue so in the last to give advice but you sound quite worried, maybe a call to the dr and ask for a call back?

Or a call to la lech (never used them and have probably spelt that wrong)

Reading that back maybe I should take my own advice

Thanks. Waiting for call back now. Hate phoning the doctor but I do feel rotten. Hope you feel better soon.

Hi, it does sound like could be mastitis - breast pain, shivery/flu symptoms.

If so, the doc will probably give you antibiotics, but self-help measures are also really important to clear the blocked duct which is the underlying cause of mastitis:

• Feed as much as possible on that side (I know it's hard because of the pain)
• Breast massage - make sweeping movements with the heel of your hand towards the nipple, all over the breast but especially in the painful area
• yes to ibuprofen, that's an anti-inflammatory so should help
• and yes to water and plenty of rest!

Take care, hope you feel better soon.