Mastitis but don't have flu symptoms - should I take antibiotics?

[Fagin99]

Sorry if this sounds confusing, I just don't know what to do.

I'm currently breastfeeding my 5 week old baby daughter and think I may have mastitis in left breast. I've had three blocked ducts previously in that breast which have thankfully cleared, but last night, after having her sleep on my chest for two hours, this breast became very painful (couldn't lie on it) and has a red streak on it and feels hot. I don't think it's blocked as I don't feel a lump and I'm leaking from it?

I called NHS 111 as it's Sunday/Bank Holiday and the doctor prescribed me doxycycline (I'm allergic to penicillin). I queried this as I thought erythromycin was the alternative of choice, so she prescribed both and said it's up to me which one I take! To be honest, she wasn't very helpful and just rushed me off the phone. I've tried calling the pharmacy for advice but no one is picking up.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any opinion/experience on mastitis and whether I should even take antibiotics if I don't feel ill (yet)? I'm of course nervous to take anything while breastfeeding but the pain is really bad and the red streak concerns me.

Thank you for reading all this! X

Hi there, I think you should call the NCT breastfeeding helpline.

I called that when I first got mastitis and they were really helpful

Just to follow on from that. They recommended paracetamol and ibuprofen every 2 hours (so you're not exceeding maximum dose on each) and regular massage and hand expressing in the shower- to clear the blockage- and get your baby to feed as much as possible to clear the blockage.

Definitely give them a phone as they were really helpful.

Following that first call, whenever I felt mastitis brewing again I followed that advice and I never got worse than my first time - and breastfed for 5 years!

Finally I would never have slept on my chest- even thinking of that puts the fear into me! I'm sure that's not recommended when you're breastfeeding- as it must make blockages more likely

Hi @horsesandterriers thanks ever so much for your advice. I will definitely call them. I decided to start the erythromycin as the redness was getting worse and I started feeling achey. I hope it works soon. I will definitely follow your advice though.

I meant my baby slept on my chest (who isn't light!). I wonder if the pressure of her weight caused it somehow as it started quickly afterwards xx

Ah right, I'm sure your baby sleeping on your chest shouldn't have caused problems.

Good luck with it all and I hope you feel better soon xx

Yes I would take them, I got sepsis from mastitis and the fever symptoms started incredibly suddenly. It's not worth the risk!

Thank you both - antibiotics promptly started!

Sorry to hear that @miltonj that must have been truly awful.