What do I need to do about my sore inflamed boob?

[blushingmare]

Woke up this morning with an incredibly tender boob. Full, but not particularly engorged. It's a very localised spot deep within the tissue and I can feel a few lumps there and the skin is slightly pink. It's so sore I can't hold my baby on that side, although fine when he's feeding. My let down is extremely painful too, especially if he's not feeding on that side.

This afternoon I started feeling shivery and unwell with a terrible headache. But the whole family have had a flu-like virus this week so I have been expecting to get that and it may be entirely unconnected to the boob pain.

I've just been feeding on that side as much as poss and have pumped a couple of times too. And massaging the sore spot as much as I can bear. Is there anything else I should do?

Take some antiinflammatories - over the counter initially until you can get stronger ones prescribed. Also soak a nappy in as hit water as you can bear. Wrap it around your boob - the relief is immense.
It's a horrible thing. Had it for my past two babies and found the antiinflammatories fab. Best of luck and hope this helps.

Sounds like it could be mastitis, poor you

Try feeding in different positions to clear all milk ducts. I found 'rugby ball' hold helpful.

And get on the phone tomorrow morning to get appt at the surgery.

Sounds like mastitis which can get very bad very quickly (in my experience anyway). Feed from sore side as much as you can stand it. Get to the doctor tomorrow for antibiotics and rest up as much as is possible. Hope you feel better soon , it's a terrible thing.

See a dr tmw. I delayed and it took me ages to get over it. Mastitis is easily treatable if you catch it early. X

You should see a Dr as soon as you can. Ask for urgent appt. The pink spot on skin often indicates mastitis- an infection. This can make you feel terrible and if left can turn into an access.

It might just be a blocked duct but the pinkness and you feeling unwell mean you need to check it out.

Stay in bed if you can.

Take some nurofen to help keep the inflammation and pain down. You need to try and keep it drained and the swelling makes that harder.

Also as mentioned above wet heat- nappy holds heat well or get in the shower.

Hope you get better

Echoing other posters who are suggesting mastitis and going to the doctor.

In the meantime remember: heat, rest and empty breast.

If you try to aim baby's nose and mouth towards the hot, sore spot they may be able to drain the blockage.

Good luck and hope it improves soon. Mastitis is miserable

Oh and I know it'll be painful when baby feeds but try to avoid expressing as that might exacerbate the pain.

Thanks all. Bugger I was hoping it wasn't mastitis as thought I'd be more engorged. Don't know how I've managed to get that. DS has been unwell recently and totally stopped solids and only having bf, so it's not like we've been dropping feeds or anything. Could really do without this with a poorly toddler and baby and builders in the house