Hi all, just wondered if I could get some advice on something as I don't want to bother the GP unless necessary.
Basically, yesterday morning I woke up with a stinging pain in my right breast. I'm eight months into breastfeeding my second DC and although we have cut down feeds to around 3 or 4 a day since weaning, it has been at that rate for over two months, so I haven't suddenly dropped feeds. My breast feels sore and is tender to the touch, and on examination, feels more painful and slightly thicker towards the nipple (but no lump). I have just now noticed a patch of very subtle pinkness on the skin that wasn’t there an hour ago. I also have some flu-like symptoms - achy, tired and rundown, but my temperature appears normal, if at the higher end of normal. When I move it hurts, especially when going from lying down to standing and picking up the baby.
I'm continuing to feed from the breast although it's very painful. It's strange because my breasts haven’t felt engorged and I haven't leaked milk for ages, so I assume DC has been emptying the breast (nothing wrong with the latch as far as I can see either). I don't know whether this is relevant - probably not - but I re-started my periods about 2 weeks ago.
Has anyone got any advice on how I can alleviate the symptoms and treat at home? Or will it require a visit to the docs?
Thanks so much in advance!