Ow ow ow. Anybody online now who knows about mastitis?

[MamaG]

I had a niggle a few weeks ago that I nipped in the bud with massage, changing position etc.

I ahve a sore red lump to the right of my left boob (are you with me?) - what position would be most effective to feed BabyG to help the pain?

Please help

Anywhere that you can then massage the lump down towards his mouth. If I've got the right position in my mind, the traditional across-your-body hold shoudl get his bottom lip nearest to your lump, yes? Would it be helpful to lie him on the bed and dangle your breast into your mouth so you can get the lump in the right place and still get at it to massage it?

Hope someone with more knowledge comes along soon. Poor you, you've had everything with this LO, haven't you ?

IIRC you point their chin at the lump, if you see what I mean. Good idea to take hot shower, with massaging lump feed baby take another hot shower feed baby again take another hot shower -- feed baby again and repeat until duct clears.

Thanks pol - yes I kind of feel like i have had everything with this baby! God knows why I'm still besotted with him...

Thanks for making me laugh with "dangle your breast into your mouth"

So its best to get his bottom lip nearest the lump?

The other thing I found useful was to comb the lump when you're in the shower - it seems to help break it up.

I would change the position a couple of times during the feed (tummy to mummy, rugby ball, laying down) to make sure BabyG drains all of the ducts.

Keep feeding through it, take some paracetamol, massage it (in the shower if too painful).

If you start to feel a bit flu'y defo take some paracetamol, if that doesn't do anything and you still have flu like symptoms it may be worth seeing a GP for some anti-biotics.

Chances are if you've got it early it won't progress into full blown mastitis.

Good luck

Thanks p&l I took a hot shower this morning

DH is out all day and I've got the two older DC, plus a party this afternoon, so I can't keep jumping in the shower today but I'm hoping some intensive feeding this morning with hot tea towels around the sore boob will help

ooops! I meant his mouth, of course . Am trying to type woth 3 DCs still in their PJs wreaking havoc aound me.

Thanks i like- rugby ball v difficult as he's so long! Currently length of average 9mo baby (at 3mo ) but I'll try again

I've always found rugby ball difficult, it feels like they're curling right around your back doesn't it! It will probably be a bit easier if you fully support your boob with your hand, and have a cushion down the side of you that BabyG can lay on. Oh, I love big babies, they are DIVINE.

make a ginger compress:

grated fresh ginger in a muslin square, boiled in water, then soak a flannel in the ginger infused hot water. Apply the flannel as hot as you can to the painful area.

Do this several times a day.

ANd feed loads, in different positions.

Hope it gets better mamag!

I've got rid of these a few times with the "dropping breast into mouth whilst baby lying on bed" approach.

I have also got rid of them by keeping the breasts as empty as possible, by pumping between feeds and massaging the sore area at the same time to try to move the blockage down.

Second approach was the most successful for me personally.

Thanks a lot all. I have been massaging furiously whilst feeding - seems to encourage the flow and BabyG is almost choking - not that that boy needs any encouragement to feed!

It has eased a bit. STill v tender though and now the other boob is too - think he might be going through a growth spurt as he's feeding more than usual

I find ibuprofen more effective than paracetamol as it is an anti infamatory. I also find a small hot water bottle tucked down my top helps alongside feeding / massaging whenever possible oh and lots of fluid and rest.
Hope you feel better soon.

I don't think you are to take ibuprofen when bf.

yes you can take ibuprofen when bf but you can't when pregnant.

I stand corrected

Hot baths are great.
Check for the cause- bag, bra or sling straps compressing and causing plugged duct? Low iron levels? Take a good lactating vitammin supplement and spa tone iron if ness.
Look after yourself, nap and eat wholesome foods e.g. oats. Never skip breakfast, especially if you are night feeding.
Some people are prone to Mastitis for no apparent reason though so don't dwell too much on the causes. Get massaging the blockage as suggested and my advice, if you develop a fever go straight to the doctor and get at least 10 days of antibiotics to kick it out so that it does not come back in 2 weeks (like mine did the first time!).
Feel sorry for you. Mastitis is grim and can leave you feeling depressed and unable to cope. Take care x