Help! So painful

[WillbeanChariot]

I think this is one for the doc and I have made an appointment for tomorrow but I thought I'd try the wisdom of mumsnet first...

I've been BFing my 6 month old fully for about 4 weeks (before that he was in hospital so I was expressing and BFing). All was fine but one of my nipples started to get sore a few days ago. I used cream and took care over his latch and it got a bit better. But now- the breast feels hard and engorged at the top and sort of under my arm, rest of breast feels normal. And the nipple is agony when I feed him, like a burning pain or someone sticking a big pin in me. I like to think I'm not bad with pain, and this is making me yelp out loud. I've been trying to massage the engorged part (which is uncomfortable and a tad achey but not painful) and expressing but it seems to make no difference. I feel well in myself and my DS has no signs of thrush. There are no cracks or anything obvious on the nipple.

Anyone been through this? Any tips? I will try anything because I can't stop feeding him and it's soooo painful... I should say the other side is absolutely fine.

from what you've said it could be mastitis... the GP should be able to give you AB for that...

Not had it myself but sure someone will come along soon who has.

Good luck!!

When I had engorgement & a blocked duct, I found that massaging in the bath helped a lot more than not in the bath iyswim. The midwives advised me to use oil so as not to hurt the skin. And feeding whilst in the bath really helped celar the engorgement.

HTH.

Thanks ladies for your replies. I called NCT helpline having found a tiny white patch on the nipple- they suggested a tiny blister that had got full of milk and blocked the duct- suggested I put olive oil on to soften the skin and then express and it worked, thank God. Still a bit sore but not too sore to feed and not engorged. Thought I would post in case it helps anyone else.