Right boob in agony! Breastfeeding! Please help!

[IslandGirl5]

I’ve had a blocked duct before on left boob and it was sore but nothing like this. My right boob suddenly started to feel tender and sore on the inside half almost like it’s badly bruised. Feeding my 9 month old hurts especially as she likes to look around and pull my poor nipple in all sorts of directions when she feeds. There is redness to it but no lumps to notice, no cracks on the nipple that might suggest infection. It just bloody hurts! And it’s agony trying to massage it. Any advice welcome!

P.s I took antibiotics for the blocked duct before and DD was grumpy as hell so will if I have to again but would rather try some other stuff before I resort to that if possible x

A clogged duct can just be redness and no lumps that you feel. Hot shower or compress, and feed loads from that breast!

Could be mastitis. Can be really nasty so I'd get antibiotics if I was you x

Sounds like mastitis.

Hot compresses, lots of gentle massaging and see your GP ASAP! Even if you don’t end up needing the antibiotics you are better to have them in! I was like this then suddenly ran a 40 degree temp all night.

Put the baby on the bed and hold the affected boob over them when they feed. Like you are a cow or whatever. Not dignified AT ALL but it definitely helps. A slightly nutty German GP gave me this advice. Also feed feed feed from the sore boob. Get that blocked duct clear. Definitely ring the doc and get seen/antibiotics. It is so unpleasant.

Thanks guys, was really hoping it wasn’t mastitis! Been feeding from it and massaging but damn it hurts so much I’ve rung 111 and waiting for a call back from the out of hours service. Trust my boobs to do this on a bank holiday. Loving the crazy German doctors idea I will try that!

You poor thing, it sounds sore!

Be careful in your massaging attempts that you’re not actually making it more sore by trying too hard - more of a risk if there’s a lumpy blockage you’re trying to shift.

Other suggestions that sometimes work for trying to clear it and feeling more comfortable: warm shower, electric toothbrush handle (or other vibrating object…). You can also take your usual painkillers like paracetamol/ibuprofen to help relieve any soreness.

Sounds like mastitis, I had it a couple of times while breastfeeding years ago. I was advised as a natural remedy to take a mega dose of vitamin C, and it worked. This could help you if it takes some time before you can get antibiotics. Also feed as much as you can on that side, always offer it first, even if it hurts. A quick google search has some results in doses of vitamin c and mastitis that is helpful.

I’ve googled loads and not seen the vitamin C thing that’s very helpful thank you I’ll get some! And going for a nice long shower once DD wakes up from her first nap of the day (at 7.30am what)! Am I still alright to feed from alternate boobs each feed which is what I tend to do now she’s having a bit less from me and a bit more solid food? Don’t want to neglect the other boob and diminish any supply there

Don't worry about the other boob. At 9 months your supply is totally fine. Keep feeding from the bad one. As much as possible and then more. Pump if you have one.

I would offer the sore breast first each time as you want to try to keep it from getting too full and more painful,. Then offer the other breast too as you don't want it getting engorged or having problems either. And keep drinking lots of water. Hope it's starting to feel better.

Keep feeding from sore boob first; but do feed from other boob too or you'll build up problems there.

Don't massage; hot & cold compresses.

However, yes, if it's this sore, I'd recommend antibiotics, get onto GP / OOS when you can.

Good luck 🙂

Update! Went to the out of hours doctors today and she said it’s a type of mastitis but with there not being much engorgment or hardness it’s unlike caused by infection so to keep doing what I’m doing, rest and see if it starts to improve in the next 24 hours, if not I have antibiotics! I feel for anybody who’s had this alongside the engorgmemt too, it’s not been fun. Thanks for the suggestions and support guys

That advice sounds odd. Keep your eye on it because I was fobbed off at the doctors loads of times about breastfeeding issues.