Mastitis once weaned?

[Pos1]

Hi all

I weaned my 8 month daughter recently, dropping the day feeds over a period of weeks, and the last two feeds over a week period. That's was about 10 days ago and now I am in a lot of pain. I have what feels like a bruise on one boob and they are both very heavy, so painful when I bend etc. I am worried about the 'bruised' one- it feels a bit lumpy so have been running a hot shower on it, and massaging down to the nipple (only just started doing that today) but its not made a huge difference.

I also have cold symptons. This could be a cold, or hay fever, but it's it likely to be beginning of mastitis? (it's not flu symptons, I can still function) additionally I was wearing underwired bras as I had given up day feedings around 7 months. The bruise area is roughly where the wire ended. I am now back in my nursing bras.

Finally I wonder whether i gave the last two up to quickly. Other feeds I dropped one a week, the last two I dropped one then the next 4 data later.....

Could anyone advise? Thanks

It does sound like a blocked duct and possibly the beginning of mastitis - certainly possible after weaning. I don't think there is much hard science about speed of dropping feeds, it depends on what your supply was like to start with.

But I think you have it in hand - you've gone back to the nursing bras, you're doing breast massage, that's all good. Additionally you will probably need to express a bit to stop the milk building up any more - by hand in the shower is good, just enough to feel comfortable. Ibuprofen can also help.

Thanks for the response- will carry on as described.