Breast pain - new bra or mastitis?

[TheWiseOldElf]

DC2 is 6 weeks. I got fitted for new nursing bras this morning and put one on straight away. Until now I had been wearing the soft stretchy cup ones which don't provide much support. I got fitted at Bravissimo and haven't shopped there before - the size they recommended (30E) was vastly different to my previous measurement from M&S (36B/C). I found the new bra reasonably comfortable although I did notice that it was much tighter around my ribcage than I am used to. I'm told that this is the correct fit.

This afternoon I developed a very painful area to the left hand side of my left breast. Starting under the armpit and spreading towards my nipple. During letdown the pain spreads and is quite eye watering. The area is warm to the touch but not really hot. There's no visible difference in my milk. I feel generally well in myself although I have a bit of a cold. DC2 also has the cold which has been affecting her latch for the last 24 hours or so.

I have consulted Dr Google and it seems that my symptoms sort of fit those of mastitis but it could perhaps be the new bra? I have had a hot bath and changed back into my old bra but the pain is still there. Obviously if I'm still in pain on Monday I should probably consult my GP but I just wondered whether anyone has any experience which could shed any light on this in the meantime?

I bfed DC1 for 6 months with no problems if that makes any difference?

TIA

When I was breast feeding my son would latch on fine but bite down so I had to stop because it was to painful. When I stopped my breasts swelled and became very painful they would almost throb which such intensity it was like I had been hit in the chest. I got some advice from a breast feeding specialist who advised I used a breast pump to relieve the pressure. I'm not sure if this could be the same as your child has a bit of a cold and is not latching on properly maybe you are producing more milk than is being used. Hope this helps

It could be just a blocked duct rather than mastitis, which may or may not be caused by the bra.
Have a look on kellymom.com I think there's a page titled plugged ducts and mastitis.
The cold and poor latching could easily be the culprit, I guess you'll just have to try wearing the new bra again when this is better and see what happens

Yeah blocked duct, kellymom for tips. Basically express, feed, take lecithin and squeeze out any blocked spot head type bits around your nipple.

Thanks for the tips. I will take a look.

A good fit should be very snug around the ribcage but should not press on the breast tissue at all - this is what can cause blocked ducts.