I think I have mastitis - any advice?

[JaMmRocks]

I'm EBF DS who is 13 weeks tomorrow, suddenly today have developed a sore and lumpy left breast. Tried to get him to drain it and rub it out but have made it more painful

Any advice welcome, really want to avoid ABs if possible, terrified of getting thrush aswell!

Thanks

I had a blocked milk duct but didn't get full blown mastitis as I managed to clear it before it got to that. Do you have a temperature and flu like symptoms as well? If not, you may well be able to avoid mastitis. I tried applying heat to the breast via hot bath/shower and hot water bottle prior to feeding. Also tried combing down/massaging the lumps towards the nipple. It did clear eventually, but not straight away. I started each feed on the affected breast until it was gone as baby feeding is the best way of getting rid of it. Good luck - it's horrible and I know how anxious it makes you feel..

I'm just getting over mastitis which is pretty miserable - as CoonRapids says it feels like flu, with added bonus of, in my case, a very sore right breast.

If you're after a description! the sore areas were red and looked almost as if they had spider veins. The skin felt really tight.

If you're in doubt, go to your GP who can prescribe an antibiotic to clear it that isn't harmful to your baby when breastfeeding. As well as this - keep feeding from the affected breast, and if you need to, express, so it doesn't get engorged. Stroke the breast out as CoonRapids says.

Also, rest! Mine lasted much longer as I thought it was better and went out for a long walk - cue restarting of flu symptoms and soreness.

Hope it gets better!

There are many things you can try like massage, hot compresses, combing, feeding in different positions etc. I could never manage to unblock blocked duct using these measures though and had to feed, feed, feed, express, express, express. Sometimes it took a few days. I've had many, many blocked ducts and mastitis only twice.

If you don't have flu like symptoms it's probably "only" a blocked duct at the moment. Kellymom is very useful on this.

It does feel very bruised and sore while you clear it and for a few days afterwards. An anti-inflammatory will help. Any sign of mastitis (temp, shivering, aching) you must get antibiotics, they are fine while bfing.

I have been feeding for 2 and a half years. I have had many blocked ducts. Have never had thrush.

I found that the rugby hold helped clear mine.

Hi, I had mastitis twice and its quite scary how quickly you go from a sore red boob to flu like symptoms and feeling like death. I had hot showers and hand expressed at the same time. I fed, fed, fed, fed and fed again even though it hurt like hell. Also agree trying different feeding positions. Took about 3 days until I felt normal again. If in doubt see the GP but best advice feed all you can. I offered breast often as DS would take it. Good luck, do you know what may have caused it. I am convinced mine was ill fitting nursing bra.

That's interesting about the nursing bra thing, I was wearing one that was uncomfortable today (hand me down from a friend) and I think it may have trapped something. I've just fed using the rugby hold - going with the chin facing direction of lump - it's made a huge difference. Still feel a bit crap and it's hot and sore, but not so lumpy. Not red though. Maybe it's 'just' a blocked duct, and I've caught it before the mastitis kicked in...

thanks everyone...off to get a hot flannel