bloody sore boob

[blondiep14]

I'm BFing my big fat 6 week old and have developed a really sore right boob, it feels tender and then very sore and bruised when it's touched. Can't find any lumps or anything and have no other symptoms, it developed this afternoon.
I am still feeding as although it hurts it seems to feels less painful when I'm less full.
Any solutions?

As an aside, can I be producing too much milk? DS's feeding pattern isn't so much of a pattern so I think I seem to be producing loads at the moment.

it sounds like engorgement or the beginnings of mastitis - the best thing to do is feed as much as you can off the affected breast and if ds isn't completely empying that breast try some breast massage, warm flannels and hand expression to remove the milk. Take some painkillers (paracetemol) and anti-inflamitaries (ibuprofen) which should help with the pain - have you had someone check your positioning as that may have been an underlying cause.

Your body will soon regulate the amount of milk you need naturally, so i wouldn't worry about too much milk, but try to ensure ds is effectively draining the breast and there is no milk collecting in an area in the breast as this is what causes mastitis.

thanks Jackie, have hit the painkillers now and will try the other tips.
Not had anyone check positioning but was pretty sure that was ok, seemed to be anyhow.
I don't think he is draining perhaps, I didn't have any probs with DS1 so am at a bit of a loss and slightly panicky!

painkillers are good
position is probably ok if you've not had any issues before now, although getting it checked out can do no harm.
it does sound like the beginnings of mastitis which is much easier to solve when you catch it early - feed ds as much as you can and then when he has finished try to express off that breast straight after he has finished feeding, whilst massaging the sore area at the same time, which should help to drain the breast properly.

warm flannels before feeding/expressing, cold flannels after to relive the pain (you can also get cool gel pack things that you keep in the fridge - or try the old fashioned cabbage leaves.

please don't panic - well done for seeking advice this early - getting all the milk out is the key and then things should start to turn around pretty quickly for you. if you have any more problems please shout! x

thank you, I shall do that, didn't have much luck expressing with DS1 but will try again. Can I do by hand, have no idea where my pump is and don't have a steriliser either...

Have just fed DS and boob feels more 'empty' and so less painful but still very bruised if touched, will see if I can get anything else out!!
What do you do with cabbage leaves??

I don't want to be ill I have a grotty 2 year old to look after as well

aww honey - i know it's horrid, i had it with my first baby but sort it quick and you shall be fine.

yes you can express by hand - many ladies find it easier than a pump -

cup your hand into a C shape wiht your fingers on one side and your thumb on the other, start at the back of the breast and work your way forwards feeling for a change in texture - although don't worry if you can't feel it, you are aiming for the area about 3cm in from the end of the nipple - basically where baby's mouth would be if he was feeding.

then gently squeeze nad release, squeeze and release in a rhythmic pattern - it may take a minute or two to get some milk coming. Don't pull the breast just gently squeeze it. When the milk flow slows, gradually rotate your hand round a bit, and repeat the squeeze and release until milk flow ceases. massaging the breast with the other hand can help as can the warm flannels.

best of luck, and if the situation has not improved at all in the next 24 hours please seek some professional advice from a breastfeeding councillor - there should be one at your local hospital.

oh and savoy cabbage leaves chilled in the fridge and then placed inside your bra after feeding can help relieve the pain a bit x

thanks! will try all the above and keep fingers crossed.

should I feed from just the right, only the left is now pretty full (have just fed DS from sore one again) and I don't want the same thing there?!!

no keep feeding both sides, you don't want engorgement on the other side too, just try to ensure breasts are drained effectively after each feed.

good luck, hope you are feeling better tommorrow xx

not had much luck expressing anything but no sorer and possibly even a bit less sore - hurrah!

DS1 thinks it's funny at least 'mummy sore boobies' !!