[Onyx]

What does it feel like to have mastitis? Does it come on fast/slow?
My right breast is really sore, it kind of feels like its bruised. The pain is mainly on my breast tissue and very minimally on the areola.

Could it be the start of mastitis? I don't have a fever or any other symptoms.

[Lukri]

It can actually come on fast. You will know you have it as the area of the breast will be almost impossible to touch.
When I got it I had a very red area on my breast and it was hard. I also developed a fever (had the shivers) and felt fluey(sp?).
Not sure if you can definitively assume it is the beginning but I guess just try and keep that breast drained - try and feed from it often if you feel any lump or hardness.
ETA If you do develop a fever make sure you get to your GP or a medical centre ASAP as you may need antibiotics to get on top of it.

This post has been edited by Lukri: 06/04/2012, 05:22 AM

[Georgie3]

Yep, sounds like it. Also try a hot shower and pushing the milk out, starting from the sore spot. It knocks me out if I don't get on top of it quickly.

[tenar]

That sounds like how I feel when I have a blocked duct. Do your best to drain it - keep feeding from that side, even though it's painful, massage milk out in a hot shower, use a breast pump if you have one to drain milk out.

Having a blocked duct is painful, but if it turns into mastitis, it'll get much worse. The one time I had that I felt like I'd been hit with a sledgehammer - sudden fever, aches, headache, etc. I felt terrible. If that happens, get to a GP right away.

I've had lots of blocked ducts but only one bout of mastitis in over two years of breastfeeding, so there's no need to panic, just do your best to get that breast drained.

[bbsmummy]

I got a very very mild case and was still knocked for 6.
Very flu like, whole body aching, my lower back was horrendous, my breast had a slight rash and was hot to touch.

[chookpea]

What PPs have said. I had it in both breasts 2 weeks ago. Started off with a painful blocked duct, then developed a fever with chills etc very quickly afterwards.

Try to keep the blockage clear by massaging the area and feeding off that side first. You might want to make an appointment to see the doctor just in case.

[soontobegran]

I agree that you might be able to nip it in the bud by working on that painful area under the shower.
Lots of gentle massage over the area of pain but if there is already an area that feels hot or look red then you will probably need to see your doctor.
Mastitis can hit suddenly going from feeling perfect to like you have the worst flu ever in a matter of half an hour.
When the baby is sucking on that side try to massage downwards towards the nipple. Warm packs can help too.
Good luck

[Onyx]

Thanks everyone. I went and got a script for antibiotics just incase as I didn't want to get stuck over the long weekend.

My breast feels hot but there isn't a real lump as such but it's is still painful on the underside of my breast. Hopefully the blockage clears and I won't need the antibiotics.

I will do the massage as well. Thanks for all of your suggestions.