How do I recover from mastitus?

[NewBabyStillBelowBirthWeight]

Baby is refusing to feed from affected breast and pumping is unsuccessful - very little is coming out, which was not the case before. I´m pumping every three hours and the pain has gone down but my breast is getting more and more red today. Any ideas? Do I need to see a doctor?

You might need some antibiotics. Are you feverish?

I had this with DD and just applied a hot face cloth soaked in water with some lavender oil in it. I also fed her with my boob hanging down - so you are leaning right over. I didn't realise at the time that you can need antibiotics. Mine cleared up in 2 days.

Have you tried alternating hot and cold flannels?

Tried warm flannels yes before pumping. Will try cold ones after..

No fever for the moment, actually feeling better than yesterday, just have the tell-tale red patch...

hot baths or showers - soak breasts in hot bath and gently massage, massaging down towards the nipple. Express as much as you can. But get your breasts warm first. Have a good soak. Helped me anyway. good luck but if it doesn't help go to docs.

This happens me on and off also. Particularly panic stricken when I can't express much out of the breast thats red. I have found the hot shower is good but in particular when its combined with the wide tooth comb brushing down on the area.. that seems to help move things along. Hope you manage to get rid of it