I think I have mastitus

[pinkandblue]

Hi

I am breastfeeding my 11 week old DS and I think I have mastitis. There is a hard lump on my breast. Even when I feed and my breast is soft the lump is still there. I have been trying to put DS chin towards the lump while feeding but dont know what else to do.
Should I go to the doctor and get antibiotics?

Thanks
Natalie

[rynosmum]

Hop in a hot shower and massage the hard lump toward the centre - it may hurt but is the best for it. Hot packs will also help.

You won't miss knowing when you have mastitis, I had one incredibly painful breast (couldn't even hold bubs without wincing), then got a massive headache and a fever of about 38.5-39.

Hope you feel better soon !;)

[veve]

awww hon... stressful ...

ummm have you tried massaging the lump while in a warm shower???

- I had a lump close to my armpit when DS was about 4 weeks old - I just kept offering him that breast first (to drain it better) and rubbing it towards the nipple when I was in the shower ..

-- do you have any other symptoms?? usually flu like?? does the lump hurt?

xxx

[lukaelmo]

Ouch. This happens to me all the time, it's the beginnings of mastitis... I don't think you need to go to doc yet, try to express in a hot shower, really massage the lump. Sometimes I do it with face cream. And keep bubs draining the breast, they are even better than drugs at fixing up your lumps.

[pinkandblue]

Hi

Its right next to my nipple and is about 2-3cm in diameter. It doesnt hurt except when I touch it and I dont have any other symptoms.

Natalie

[xkwzit]

Hi MLN

You've probably got a blocked milk duct, which can lead to mastitus. If you have mastitus, you won't miss it (fever, chills, flu-like aches and pains). One thing that can really help is to use an electric toothbrush (or anything you have on hand that vibrates ;) ) to massage the lump with. It helps to breakup the blockage and allow the lump to go down. All the other advice about massaging under a warm shower and during a feed is great too.

Cheers