Mastitis or clogged duct

7 replies

An89 · 22/02/2025 21:27

Currently abroad,.woke up with very sore breast so tender, tried to.pump (made it worse) gradually more.tender through the day, burning generally and even more so.when baby feeds.
Baby is now.4 months. So worried this may be mastitis..how would I tell if this or just a clogged duct?

Really would love to know previous experiences. Very nervous as Im abroad at the moment - regretting coming away now :(

OP posts:

Achyarms · 22/02/2025 21:29

Warm shower, little massage, offer the boob to baby all the time and after a few goes they will suck the clog out. I had this with both babies and the baby sucking was the best hoover! Sorry sounds gross but it does them no harm. Don’t pump.

if you get shivery or fever, call a doctor for anti biotic

tintinsanfran123 · 22/02/2025 21:30

Always found this site really useful :
https://kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mother/mastitis/
Hand expressing / massaging in a hot shower used to help me. Good luck

BFhelp2024 · 22/02/2025 21:44

In addition to what the posters above have said, ice the affected breast in between feeds to help reduce inflammation

Anothermathstutor · 22/02/2025 21:45

cold therapy not hot for a blocked duct!

likely a duct that will turn into mastitis. KEEP feeding. See a local doctor if you can.

Notquitegrownup2 · 22/02/2025 22:13

Keep feeding from that side, but take ibuprofen first - (as long as you are not pregnant too!) Ibuprofen reduces inflammation, so if the blocked duct is swollen/sore, it will reduce the swelling to allow the blockage to clear and the milk to flow more easily. Keep taking ibuprofen for 36 hours or as long as you need to, feeding form the blocked side first wach time. Best of luck.

Original poster

An89 · 24/02/2025 18:13

Hi All,

Update: kept feeding, breast gone soft and I cant feel the lumps, but now, my nipple and surrounding area are burning, when I'm not feeding and it is worse when feeding - unsure if related or not? But really struggling

OP posts:

Wanttosupportbfing · 24/02/2025 20:33

This article, written by an IBCLC and La Leche League Leader in Ireland, all about blocked ducts and mastitis might be of interest to you… hopefully it will contain all of the information you need and you’ll be feeling well again very soon so that you can enjoy your holiday!

https://www.carolsmyth.co.uk/breastfeeding-resources/posts/2020/april/mastitis-blocked-ducts-how-do-i-clear-a-blockage/

Flip