Mastitis without red breast?

[kate288]

Hi, earlier today my right breast started to feel painful and a bit lumpy. I got my DD to take the sore side first and encouraged more feeding (she's 11months now so doesn't feed very often). However, it's getting more painful and now I feel fluey and warm but shivery at the same time.

I've had mastitis before in the same boob when she was 4 days old but in that case it was really obvious as it was very red and warm to the touch. However, this time it doesnt look red, just very painful and the flu like symptoms. I was just wondering if it's possible to still be mastitis? And if so shall I call 111 or wait until the morning? Thanks!

I've had mastitis twice. One of the times I had it I felt quite unwell before the redness appeared (probably felt unwell for about 12 hours, sore and lumpy etc). By the time the redness appeared I felt horrendous and ended up at out of hours doctor for antibiotics. So if you suspect it is mastitis then maybe phone 111 for advice and see what they think.

Whenever I’ve had mastitis (quite a few times due to oversupply) the redness didn’t show for a good 24 hours. You have all the symptoms of it. Feed exclusively from that side and pump/hand express from the other to avoid engorgement. Regular paracetamol and ibuprofen and hopefully that will halt it in its tracks. Then appt to see GP tomorrow if you’re feeling worse. If you don’t feel better with paracetamol then probably best to call 111. I’ve managed to always avoid GP/antibiotics but I think I’ve always caught it early and these measures seem to nip it in the bud!

It will likely be the start. I have had it several times, my advice would be have a really hot shower and massage or, feed from that side often if possible and take ibuprofen for a couple of days. It should nip it in the bud.

I had mastitis but the redness was underneath so l couldn't see it until l got a mirror

Thanks so much ladies I've sent the DH out to buy some ibuprofen. Annoyingly my electric pump is broken but using the manual one.

I'm really hoping I can clear it tonight as I really need to go to work tomorrow as I only went back 4 weeks ago and have been off twice,once to look after my DD who was ill and then I caught a bug from her (bloody nusery germs)! Atleast this is a positive to my DD still bring up multiple times a night to feed 😂

The last time I had it we were on holiday out in the middle of nowhere. We'd driven out for the day and bought fish and chips and I suddenly started to feel fluey. I panicked all the way back to our accommodation that I was actually getting flu until I got home and realised I had a sore boob. It wasn't red. I just jumped on it with the massage and ibuprofen and early night and I was fine the next morning so every chance you'll be fine op! I kept up with the ibuprofen for a couple of days though.

Ps a hot water bottle on the sore side is really helpful too, especially before a feed. Good luck, fingers crossed you'll be fine in the morning.