Is this mastitis?

[bronya]

Pain in breast started in the night - felt like a pulled muscle but there are no muscles there. Now it's worse there (sort of underneath the right side) but has radiated out. Hurts on let-down, really hurts when I move around, throbs gently the rest of the time. Hot and tender to touch.

If so, if I get antibiotics today, how long will it last?

That does sound like mastitis, yes get antibiotics ASAP as you'll start to feel fluey as well. Antibiotics will start to work straightaway and you'll feel better very quickly

Sounds like it. Mine came on super fast - walked to doctors for newborn appt and then was too exhausted to walk back. Rest, lots of water, hot showers and massage all help, but antibiotics definitely work.

Thanks - GP confirmed it was, and prescribed antibiotics. Spent most of the afternoon in a fluey haze, but they are starting to work now. Had no idea I could feel that ill with it! Was quite interesting with two small children to look after.

When you have a small red patch, and aren't yet feeling fluey, it could just be a blocked duct. If you feed with your baby's chin to the lump/patch, sometimes it will clear, and you won't end up on antibiotics. Just an FYI.

Yes it makes you feel awful, and surprising how quick it comes on. You'll feel better soon I'm sure.

Brilliant tip NotQuiteCockney - doing that is lessening the pain in the breast so it helps even after infection has set in!

Ah, glad to hear it's helping!