Have mastitus again - do I need to go to GPs and how do I stop getting it?

[LadyOfWaffleIsScaryEnough]

Felt rough but put it down to a cold, then got a hard lump which I tried to feed out last night but woke this morning with a red patch. Do I need to go to GPs or just feed? And how do I stop getting it, DS (to me) seems latched on very well... but this is the second time I have had it (in 7 weeks! First time was awful though) so something must be amiss. OR is there a slight chance I caught it from DS, he has an eye infection and no doubt when he stops feeding at night my nipple isn't a milloin miles from his eye... or can you only catch it from an infection in the mouth?

Thanks.

Check you are wearing the right size bra and there are no seams in awkward places, I changed over to Bravado bras when I had it and had no probs after that. Secondly massage your breasts when feeding (firm strokes out to nipples), thirdly massaging them with the shower head also helps. Finally try hot and cold compresses to reduce inflammation.

Nothing beats feeding through it though. Much sympathy as it is bloody painful!

Are you run down? I would develop mastitis more easily if I was very tired and run down.

I don't think you would catch it from your son's eye infection. Use your own milk in his eyes to help treat his eye infection.

Agree with milkakamonkeymoomoo's advice.

My midwife told me I only needed antibiotics if after 24 hours it was getting worse.

How are you going Belgo, are you ready for your new baby?

Thanks. I am not really anymore run down than normal... maybe a little I guess. I will leave it 24 hours and see how it goes.

Oh and you can take ibruprofen as a one of to help reduce inflammation.

I'm ready for the new baby, not sure the baby's ready yet though, and you? I think you are due as well?

Agree by the way about ibruprofen, it was the only thing that helped me with mastitis, paracetamol just didn't touch it.

Yup I'm 40 weeks on Sunday and feeling very apprehensive!