Aching breast

[Alieight]

My left boob is really sore! It's aching a lot, but with no obvious lumps/swelling/redness, and I don't have a fever, although I do feel a bit achy and generally crap. The pain is fairly deep down, feels bruised, and is there all the time - doesn't get worse or better with feeding etc.

I'm exclusively breastfeeding my 6mo DS. He's just started at nursery 3 days a week, which means I'm pumping a lot more than usual.

I've had thrush in the past, and it doesn't feel like that, I've also had a milk blister a few times that I've had to pierce with a sterilised needle, and have had nipple blanching in the past...but it doesn't seem to be any of those things again.

So any ideas? Is it just that the pump is being a bit rougher than DS? Can that happen? Or could it be something else?

Very grateful for any help.

I found pumping brought on blocked ducts, which can feel as you describe...do a quick search on blocked ducts and you should find plenty of threads offering advice on how to fix them. Time is of the essence though, do try to get it cleared ASAP to prevent it escalating.

Sorry to run, will check back later to see how you are getting on.

It could be mastitis.

I've just had a bad bout and it started exactly the way you describe.

Thanks so much for the replies . I'm still a bit confused though - I have had blocked ducts before and they've always been lumpy - I could feel the block IYSWIM? And I'm producing milk fine when I pump.

I thought mastitis = v high fever and feeling fluey?

Ho hum, am off to pump and guess I will see how I feel tomorrow.

Are you not pumping too hard, ie too much suction?

(ignore if you are a dyed in the wool expresser who knows what you are doing ta very much )

I've had mastitis countless times and I remember it starting in the way you describe.

I felt very tired, no high temp. One time I just suddenly noticed a pain in one breast which got steadily worse, followed by aches and tiredness.

Thanks for the help everyone. It seems to be feeling a bit better today - wondering if new pump is a bit too strong? Have pumped plenty before, jsut not using this pump.

Will take it a bit easier - thanks everyone for advice.

Hope things are feeling better now - if not have you tried a hot water bottle against the breast before feeding?
That helps me when things are feeling a bit blocked and tender.