Mastitis

[suchfun0101]

Hello all, looking for some advice...
I gave birth on 9/3/20 and have been breastfeeding fine, however, on Wednesday night I started feeling extremely cold and had flu like symptoms which then turned into awful sweats to the point I woke up completely drenched.
I noticed the next day my right breast was incredibly sore and painful when feeding so suspected I have mastitis.
36 hours on and I'm feeling so much better and have done what I can do drain the milk from the right breast which is also feeling a lot better and the pink area that was showing has also reduced.
My question is; has anyone experienced this and it's got better without the use of antibiotics?
My concern is not the medication itself, it's being exposed when going to be assessed and collect prescription.
I'm not currently living in the UK so telephone appointments and collections are not an option for me, it would be an A&E style appointment which could risk exposure and then passing it on, particularly to my newborn.
Any advice from anyone that had previously had this would be appreciated X

Hi,

You may have had a mild dose of mastitis or a bad case of a blocked milk duct. Blocked ducts (where you get a hot red swollen painful patch and you feel pretty awful) if left can get infected and turn into mastitis. Mastitis itself is horrid, flue-y fever, very painful breasts, green infected milk — my friend had it and she couldn’t stand up, barely able to function, I had to take her to hospital.

If you get a blocked duct continue to feed your baby and between feeds apply heat to the swollen area and massage it to try to dislodge the block. Midwives often say put a hot flannel on in the bath or direct the shower onto the infected area.

If you feel ok and the fever is down it’s probably better to assume it’s sorted itself out — you really don’t want to risk the surgery or hospital unless you have to. It sounds like your body has sorted itself out. I have no idea what’s up with these margins but I hope that helps...

Oh that’s a relief, the draft post had wacky margins all over the place but it’s sorted.

@Commonwasher thank you so much for your reply. I did end up venturing out in the end as I started go get the same pain in the other side. When I got to the hospital it was very quiet so was in and out in about 20 mins.. hopefully on the mend now X

I had similar after I had my baby in December and the doctor suspected blocked ducts (I was on antibiotics anyway for infected episiotomy).

Try massaging in the shower, and if you have a breast pump try expressing on all fours so gravity can help clear the blockage. Baby will be most effective at draining you so keep feeding if you can (I know easier said than done when you feel unwell!). Hope you feel better soon!

I had this two weeks after giving birth. Started with chills and fever. Called MAU and they wanted me to come in to be tested for corona but I refused because didn’t want to be exposed to it at the hospital! Next day had red patch under breast and I suspected mastitis. Called 111 (on a Sunday) and they had an on duty GP call me back less then 29 mins later, he proscribed antibiotic on phone without seeing me and I had a friend pick it up and leave on my doorstep. I’m also in the UK. Do this - you need the antibiotic just in case!