Painful breasts - can anyone help?

[PhoebeLaura]

I've had a few problems breastfeeding my 3 week old (not feeding well at first then incorrect latch leading to cracked nipples) but things were starting to improve until a few days ago when my breasts started to get really painful especially after feeding. The pain is all over the breast not just the nipple and feels like stabbing, stinging sensation. The breasts also feel quite hot to the touch. They are not engorged and I am feeding frequently. Does anyone have any idea what this could be and if there is anything I can do to improve the situation. I've come very close to giving up the breastfeeding but I'm determined not to even though the pain makes me want to cry. Help!!

Darling, get yourself to your GP. It sounds like it could be either thrush or a blocked duct/mastitis. Are there any red patches?

The hotness would indicate an infection - you need antibiotics - take paracetamol regularly as well for the pain and to reduce your temperature.

Is it hot in a patch? I had mastitis ALL over one breast, I have never felt so ill in my life! Make sure you keep emptying your breasts, if not by feeding, then by pumping and see GP. Not all mastitis can be cleared by feeding alone I think, you may need AB. They may cause thrush (they always do with me!) so ask for some canesten (?) at the same time. It does go, honestly x

Mastitis is the kind of 'deep tissue infection' that even medics who are very wary of antibiotics feel should have ABs.

There were some red patches but they seem to have gone. Sounds like I need to go to my GP then... thanks everyone, I'm finding it all so confusing it's good to get some straight advice.

Get straight down there!

It is confusing, isn't it. Don't worry. In a few years you too will benignly be passing on advice