Mastitis advice

[KenDewsbury]

I was diagnosed with mastitis two days ago, have been on antibiotics and symptoms have improved however I can still feel lumps in the affected breast after the baby has finished feeding. Wouldn't say they are sore though.

Obviously will call for professional advice in the morning but just wanted to ease my mind tonight, is this normal? How soon should you feel lumps reduce after beginning antibiotics?

Baby is 7 weeks if that makes any difference.

If you are feeling better in yourself and less feverish then it sounds like you're heading the right way. The lumps can take a while to clear, just keep feeding (but don't pump outside of any normal routine pumping).
For contrast, I was feeling worse 24 hours after starting antibiotics, my breast was huge, bright red and I had tracking red lines up to my collar bone, and was still having huge temperatures and flu symptoms. I was admitted to hospital at that point for IV antibiotics due to sepsis risk. So if you head that way then definitely seek help earlier, but as you're feeling a bit better I don't think you need to worry at the moment.

Oh that sounds awful, sorry you went through that.

Hopefully heading in the right direction then, thank you!

I’m not sure if this is correct guidance but I had quite severe mastitis and found that massaging the lumps helped to finally get them out, especially when the baby was feeding or I was pumping. (This was in addition to antibiotics). Everytime my boobs felt a bit lumpy (my baby was a cluster feeder so demand was a bit erratic) I would massage them before they turned into anything more serious.
I hope you get this sorted soon, it’s so horrible and something you definitely don’t need when you’re caring for a newborn.

I felt so so ill...and it wasn't until afterwards and I was less confused that I really realised how bad it had been. Mad how fast it can come on too! I take it very seriously now 😅
It is rubbish though, and I really hope you feel much better soon. X

Updated advice re mastitis is to apply ice/cold pack, take anti inflammatories if safe for you to take and do gentle lymphatic massage.

Avoid heat and vigorous massage. Mastitis is caused by inflammation and traditional remedies can make it worse.

I‘ve personally had mastitis many times including being admitted to hospital for IV antibiotics. Since the updated advice came out and I started following it I’ve been able (touch wood!) to avoid needing antibiotics and have cleared it without further treatment in 24 hours.

https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2336.pdf

My friends advice was to put anything that vibrates (toothbrush etc) on the lumps to help massage them. Any dangle feed which is really awkward position but basically put baby on the floor or bed and feed them so that gravity can help clear the blockage too

I'd second what @boynamesneeded has posted. The breastfeeding nurses at the hospital told me to use ice packs and not vigorously massage as it's inflammation rather than blocked ducts causing the lumps. I was also told to gently kind of massage in sweeps from under the arm down the boob. This actually really helped the milk flow, but I would check the link that's been posted for advice. Hope you're better soon x

Hello,

I think I may also have mastitis and I’m a bit of a worrier. Last night my baby (4 months) slept more than she ever has and only woke for 2 or 3 feeds. Around 4pm I noticed my breast was feeling odd. Symptoms are:

• a third of one breast feels hard
• skin on this area is dimply
• warm to the touch
• feeling nauseous (but I often feel nauseous)

we have had a very straightforward breastfeeding experience so far. I have been cold compressing and trying the lymphatic massage tips. I took some ibuprofen. Does it sound like I should see the gp in the morning? Not too serious? I’m aware it can be very nasty.

See the GP tomoz you aren’t comfortable. In the mean time feed - and from different angles. Take ibruprofen and try expressing in a bath ( better still after chilling your boob for twenty mins first). Check you haven’t got any blocked nipple pores while in the bath. Sometimes it’s like a spot head and when it goes it’s like a little fountain.

Yes I would just to be on the safe side if it feels warm.

Did you try pumping/hand expressing? That was the advice I was given if the baby doesn't finish a feed or skips a feed from sleeping longer.

How are you feeling this morning?