feeling terrible - mastitis help!

[MrsDavies]

I went to the GP yesterday after waking up at 1.30am with a severely engorged hard painful breast. got prescribed antibiotics, BBB it since then I have started feeling hot, had cold shivvers, headache, aching joints, and very tired. I started taking the antibiotics yesterday, but my breast is still painful and hard. can Anyone tell me how long it will take to go?

I don't know what the norm is but the worst of my flu like symptoms had passed within 24 hours of starting antibiotics. It was about four days I think before my breast felt normal. hope you feel better soon - I know it's horrid! I called my mum in tears and got her to come round and help whilst I slept. have you got someone who can come and give you a break?

You can take paracetamol/ibuprofen for the flu-like symptoms - just avoid aspirin - it's truly horrid, much sympathy!

Poor you, mastitis is horrible. I don't have time to search for you but try looking up the Breastfeeding Network mastitis leaflet, which has lots of self help measures.

I have taken paracetamol but its just so painful when my DS feeds

mrswiggle - did you have to empty your breast completely for it to go? or were the antibiotics enough?

Mastitis is truly horrible, I had it once with ds1 & can honestly say I felt horrendous. You can take paracetamol & ibuprofen for the fever & pain. I knew it's really painful but you really need to keep feeding on the affected side to help clear any blockages & help the healing process. Try hand expressing in the bath or shower & massaging the breast to help move any blockages.

like ab00 said, I just fed ds as often as possible and massaged breast in shower. Any improvement yet?

I went to the hospital today and used their electric pump but I only managed to Gert 22oz off. but its not ass painful now as it was before when DS feeds. he's just so restless when he's feeding on that side I'm wondering if any milk is even coming out?!0

It's important you clear the blockage as well as finish the 2 weeks of anti-bs. My mastitis recurred after a few weeks because I didn't clear blockage (and DD was tongue tied so not clearing it effectively by feeding). Massage sore bit in hot shower, a wide-toothed comb can help with this or just your knuckles. It hurts like hell, but works. Also hot flannel on boob before feed (to get milk flowing). The Kellymom website has great tips for self treatment

just realised I wrote 22oz I meant 2oz!