why am i so sore?

9 replies

beansmum · 02/09/2004 21:24

my right breast is really sore today, it started off just being sore when i touched it but now its constantly aching. its got a big lump in it too. the left one is fine.

bean has been feeding normally but has just started sleeping through the night, thought that might have something to do with it, any ideas?

OP posts:

sportyspice · 02/09/2004 21:29

It could just be a build up/blockage of all the milk (blocked duct maybe?) especially if he's sleeping through the night now, try to get him to feed mostly from that breast to clear it and drain it. You're bound to feel a bit engorged but if the lump is something you're worrying about then speak to the health visitor or doctor. It may well be that you've got a touch of mastitus

Tissy · 02/09/2004 21:35

sounds like a blocked duct

if bean is asleep and not likely to need another feed tonight, get in the bath and relax, massage the breast downwards towards the nipple, concentrating on the lumpy bit. If you can, hand express some milk from that area. If you have a round-toothed"afro" type comb, use that for the massage- it really helps!

If bean does need another feed, massage the area(again only downwards towards the nipple) just before you feed and put him/ her (sorry don't know which ) on that side first

Original poster

beansmum · 02/09/2004 21:39

bean (ds 13wks) is an absolute angel and wont need another feed until 6am now so might go and run a bath. and comb my breast, how weird does that sound!

OP posts:

pabla · 02/09/2004 21:43

beansmum, it definitely sounds like blocked duct/mastitis. As well as following the great advice the others have given, you could try taking some nurofen to relieve the inflammation. If it is no better tomorrow I would strongly recommend you see your GP before the weekend. It is not a good idea to let mastitis go untreated for long or you can end up with an abscess, as I did. Believe me, you don't want to risk that happening.

Original poster

beansmum · 02/09/2004 21:48

ooh, you're scaring me now! don't think i'll be able to see my GP til monday now. I suppose if it's really sore i can see the emergency doctor.
Do you think i should maybe try expressing some milk in the night, bean wont be feeding for ages yet

OP posts:

fisil · 02/09/2004 21:56

bean, the doctor will see you no matter what. I was in a similar position to you, rang the Dr in the morning and they told me to come in for emergency appts. Two minutes later they phoned back and said they had an appt in 10 minutes! Don't leave it as long as I did - I think they could tell I needed that appt by the way I couldn't talk without crying!

pixiefish · 02/09/2004 22:22

Take some nurofen now- the ibuprofen will help with the inflammation. Hand express some milk off the breast, in a hot bath or put a warm flannel on the breast prior to expressing. If no better inthe am phone the doc and say you need to see someone urgently as you think you have mastitis. Carry on feeding bean unless you get a pus discharge- if that happens hand express for 24 hours until the antibiotics kick in. I've had mastitis 3 times and it's really horrible when it's full blown. I managed to stop it in its tracks last time with ibuprofen. good luck

Original poster

beansmum · 02/09/2004 22:31

going to try all your advice, thanks. hopefully i've caught it soon enough to stop it getting too bad. i'm going to have a bath and hand express some milk now and was thinking that if i woke inthe night would express some then too. does that sound like a good idea?

OP posts:

mears · 02/09/2004 23:27

If breast is osre I would try and feed babe if at all possible. Breastfeeding is a 2 way street and baby is the best milk reliever of all, even though it may seem against the grain to waken a sleeping baby. If baby won't co-operate then express some milk off. Definately take regular nurofen. Should hopefully pass in a couple of days.

Flip