mastitis, painful nipples, in agony :(

I'm currently on antibiotic treatment for mastitis in my right breast, before that developed the nipple was always painful when my baby latched and sometimes for the whole feed. The whole outer half of my breast is red, sore and lumpy, it looks like a line's been drawn down the middle and one half coloured red. I've been massaging in the shower, when he feeds, when he's not feeding, but I'm not sure if I'm massaging firmly enough. I've also been feeding him from that side a lot, which is making the nipple even more painful. He looks like he attaches right, it's only the right nipple that hurts, but the tip looks like it has a white callous on it and I think a small crack :(

What should I do? I feel like I can't keep going through this pain.

If you've been on the AB's for more than a couple of days and things are still red you may want to go back to the doctor - mastitis should recede pretty quickly when you get it whacked with the right ones.
But in addition to the mastitis you need to get rid of the blocked duct that gave rise to it.
Other things you can also try:
ibuprofen at the recommended dose (reduces inflammation and pain and is safe for BF Mums)
a hot pack before each feed
a cold pack after each feed
Pumping or Hand expressing after each feed - you need to get that boob empty by hook or by crook!
THe massage should be fairly gentle - if you bash the ducts up too much you can make things worse rather than better.

call the ABA on 1800mum2mum for some more help

Hugs Rooey, its agony isn't it?

Definitely get another appt with your GP if you're not noticing a difference on the ABs after a couple of days - most will kick in fairly quickly.

Kmns advice about hot & cold packs is great.

And if feeding was painful on that side before the mastitis hit and you've got damaged nipples its sounds like attachment might not be quite right. Have you got a Lactation Consultant near you who can sit down with you & have a look. I found that the best way to try and get attachment right.

Thanks girls, much appreciated.

I went back to my GP but he was off for the day, so I saw a doc who was a new mum! She gave me another script in case it's still infected over the weekend, and said pretty much what you have. Get in the shower or get a hot pack before and express to get the breast a bit softer, then feed, then express more if need be. She even suggested cabbage leaves! She did say it's very extensive :(

Anyway, going to Mum's for the long weekend, hopefully my poor DP can get some rest. He's been run off his feet looking after me!

She did say if there's no improvement my the end of the weekend that I should go to hospital :(

:hug: Rooey, that sounds just awful. Have you gotten any better, hun?

If your nipple hasn't healed, make sure they take a swab and check, just in case the infection is staph (often missed). I hope you are feeling better.

Rooey, hope things have settled down for you. I hope you were all able to get some rest this weekend.
The cabbage leaves have been used for years and do work, your Mum will probably say this as well.

Yes, if it hasn't improved by now go to the hospital. DD1 was about the same age as yours when I got it and I was a hospital case, was saved from actually going as we were away and had 2 nurses with us.
Does the hospital have a LC attached to it, if so go visit them, as others will tell you well worth the visit.

How are you going Rooey? Hope you're feeling much better. I had physio the first time I got mine. They used ultrasound and it worked a treat, not sure if you have access to this. Physio also told me that if I start getting it to use hot pack etc like has already been mentioned, but to use the back of an electric tooth brush to massage it. Apparently the gentle vibration with massage helps a lot.

Hi ladies, thank you all for your advice and support!

Feeling so much better, I had quite extensive mastitis, cracked nipples and nipple thrush, so just not fun! I expressed on the really bad side for two days, took all my medication and am happily recovered :D