Help- sore boob after 7months of BFing.

[pulapula]

BFing has been going really well for 7 months.

But after 4 nights of not being able to get my let-down (I would pump at 9.30pm for his bedtime bottle) I decided to just go back to boobing him at 6.30pm and not pumping at all.

However, for the last 2 days I've had a soreness on the underside of my left boob, and I can't seem to shift it. I've tried feeding from that side first each time (he has 4 feeds a day), massage, a hot bath etc. It could be over-supply as I am leaking by morning (and guess my boobs were used to being emptied at 9.30pm and now its 6.30pm), but will this calm down soon?. I haven't pumped as surely this will perpetuate the over-supply, but maybe I should pump a bit to relieve the pain?

Thanks

It could be mastitis, this is very common - you might need anti biotics to shift it.

Can you see your doctor/hv?

I had assumed it wasn't ma titis as i don't have a temperature etc. I thought maybe a blocked duct. Guess i should get to the docs today if it doesn't go away.

Yes, it could well be a blocked duct, but that is what mastitis starts as iyswim...I had it three times with ds1, all towards the end of bf, and if you have pain for a few days it might flare up into a temp etc soon so best to knock it on the head! Hope it's better soon x

Thanks for the advice FA,

I've booked the docs for this afternoon. I am having friends round so will have to leave DH with the kids, but it is getting more tender, and is a bit red.

I tried feeding DS in a different position this morning so his chin pressed on the painful bit, and it relieved it for a while, but it is still tender.

I really don't want to get mastitis so best to get it checked out really.

Thanks, Pulapula

Good luck, it does sound like mastitis, there is usually pain and reddening around the affected area. Not necessarily a temp, at least if you nip it in the bud.
It can come on quite fast though so definitely go if possible x

Breastfeeding is great but I hate when it goes a bit funny! It was when we started missing feeds etc that my problems started last time. My second is nearly 8 months so about the same as yours!

Yes, will definitely go.

I guess not being able to express before bed led to a build-up like missing a feed, and the more I stressed about it, the more I couldn't get a let-down the following night and so on.

Flightattendant,

Thanks for convincing me to get this looked at. The dr thought there was some infection (mastitis) and prescribed some antibiotics.

Hope you are enjoying your LO. I think this is a great age- where you can put them down with some toys and know where they are (well mine hasn't started moving yet!)

Thanks again. pulapula

Oh brilliant, I mean not brilliant about the mastitis but ykwim!!!!!!

Don't thank me, MN is always helping me out. About time I was useful!

Mine doesn't move yet either, he lies on his tummy, legs waving, they don't touch the floor bit like a stranded turtle...

get better soon x

...had a look at your pics, he's scrummy - they both are!