Is this a blocked duct or mastitis?

[wishfulthinking1]

Left breast is very painful under the arm pit- no 'pea sized lump' like I'd expect- just a whole patch that's very sore. It's red- though that might be because I've been rubbing it.

I read advice on kellymom -had hot bath at 2am! Massaged breast and expressed- pain definitely was relieved. It's now massively sore again- should I keep expressing? Won't this cause a massive over supply issue tomorrow? Will I need antibiotics?

DS is only 5 weeks- really don't want to mess up bf!
X

Ouch, you poor thing. How are you feeling in yourself? I felt very unwell with mastitis - shivery and aching all over, flu like symptoms. What you're describing does does sound like it though. I'm sure others will be along with more advice but if it is mastitis you'll need antibiotics (typical - bank hol). In the meantime, feed, feed, feed, rest as much as you can and drink lots of water. You won't mess things up, you're doing really well. You should give the la leche league helpline a call too x

It does sound like mastitis. Keep going with massage and feed from it as usual. I don't think expressing will cause a massive oversupply issue in the short term, but wisdom has it that babies are much better at emptying a breast than an expressing machine so do feed from it if you can bear it. I would get to an out of hours doctor as soon as you can and ask them to take a look and ask about a prescription for antibiotics. If it doesn't seem to clear over the next 24 hours or so or seems to be getting worse, then you have the antibiotics there (if you're comfortable to use them. They prescribe anti-bs which don't transfer into breast milk). I felt really unwell with it and did take anti-bs. It cleared up the mastitis extremely quickly and my temperature and flu-like symptoms went quickly too.

Ps - I found a hot water bottle held against the sore area was soothing and seemed to help with massaging the milk out.

I've had mastitis twice (lo is 6 wks). First time I felt like death - temp rocketed and I was shivering uncontrollably before I even noticed how sore my boob was. Took antibs and felt better quicky, but don't think I cleared original blockage as mastits came back 3 wks later - less severe this time and I self-treated using guidance on Kellymom as I didn't want antibs again so soon. Depending how bad yours is, you may also be able to self treat - the guide for me is temp/ fever. First time it shot up to 39 quickly, second time it hovered around 37.5

Hi everyone-
Felt very feverish so rang NHS direct about half 7. Very nice lady made an appointment for me at local hospital and I'm already back home with anti-biotics- how's that for good service!!

Still feel like shite, but I imagine I'll feel better quite soon xx thanks for all your advice xx

You can also use a clean nappy as a hot compress. Mumsnet tip that works for me!