Sore right breast

[Calluna]

It hurts soo much! The slightest touch is making me cringe, and even when it's not being touched it hurts alot.

I've googled the symptoms of mastitis and blocked ducts but I don't think it really fits.
The pain starts high up at the top of my breast and goes all the way down to my nipple and is about 3cm's wide (??). It kind of feels like it's bruised, but there is no reason it should.

I can kind of feel a lump but I'm not sure, it's not hard, more just like normal breast tissue but slightly swollen?

I don't think I'm explaining this very well

Any idea's what it might be or how I can stop it hurting so much? I tried a cold pack but I don't think it's done much...

[Ozstar]

Perhaps give the ABA a call 1800 mum 2 mum. When I have had blocked ducts it always felt like a bruise.

[[M]umma[M]ia]

i agree with Oz, give the ABA a call!

Hope your bb feels better soon!

[Kmn]

It sounds like a blocked duct to me.
Warm pack, feed baby, express, hand express, cool pack.
Take some ibuprofen to help with the swelling - and if you start to feel crap all over rather than just sore boob then get to the doctor for antibiotics.
Ultrasound treatment from physios is very good for clearing blocked ducts - but you need to make sure that your physio has experience with duct-zapping.

[Calluna]

Thanks everyone, I'll try Kmn's suggestion first, if it doesn't work I'll give the ABA a call.

Everything I read sounded so final. There WILL be a lump,there WILL be swelling, etc. What would I do without BB.

[MantaRay]

What they said LOL! Another thing to try is gently massaging from the top of the sore spot, towards the nipple while feeding or expressing. Feeding on all fours can help to, as gravity helps to clear any blockages.

Best of luck hun, I hope it goes away without any more fuss.

[HotI]

If you can't get into the doctors today, do you have a women's hospital that you can go to? Mastitis can get serious very quickly.

I know i'm only a novice at this breastfeeding thing, but i had a blockage and expressing in the shower also worked best for me.

take care,

kate

[[M]umma[M]ia]

If you cant afford the doc appointment atm, just head down to the Emergency department at your local hospital. You may have to wait a little bit, but there will be someone who can help you.

[MantaRay]

Heva hun, it sounds a lot like mastitis, and as Kate says, that can get very nasty very quickly. On the other hand, antibiotics usually help ease it within 24 hours. This is not something that wait hun, if there is a doctor open near you, bulk-bill or not, I would go and see them, otherwise go to your nearest emergency room. If the doctor doesn't know a lot about breastfeeding, let him know that penicillin is the best antibiotic for mastitis.

The other ideas for clearing the blockage and easing the inflammation are important too, but once an infection takes hold they aren't enough on their own.

[Calluna]

Thanks everyone, I've rung around and found an open bulk billing place, hopefully they aren't too bad. :S the lady on the phone was really nice so I am hopeful the doc is the same.

can I breast feed and take a/b?

[HotI]

can I breast feed and take a/b?

Yep. however, they can give some bubs runny poos. It's important you get them if it is mastitis.

[Calluna]

lol Ree*Ree that's definately something I'd do. I hate feeling like an inconvienince. I only went because all you lovely ladies told me to.

Thaks Teagz, I'll try that too. As for massaging, I think maybe I did and it's made it worse.

Thanks Kate.

Doc said it's definately mastitis. Gave me some a/b's and I'm to go back if it's not improved by Wed or Thurs.

Thank you so much fo all your wonderful advice. for everyone. Your the best

[Ree*Ree]

please go to the doctor/emergency - I left my mastitis too long thinking I could fix it and that it wasn't serious enough to go to hospital. I ended up in emergency with an abscess and had to have it surgically drained, not fun! though you're probably not as stubborn as me, and are on you're way to the docs now good luck

[helle]

It def sounds like a blocked duct to me. Mine always feel bruised when I've had it.
My CHN also said to use something like a vibrator or electric tooth brush against it.. apparently the vibrations help to clear it... and don't massage too hard because you'll make it more swollen!

GL! They're ouchies!