[Mariamsmum]

Hi,
I have just weaned my twin boys at 18months, I was feeding twice a day, morning and bedtime and went away overnight for our anniversary so decided to take that opportunity to wean.
It has been 7 days since I weaned, and now I have an enlarged and sore (deep inside) right breast, the left one is a little sore but generally ok. My right one aches, it is not red, but is larger and the nipple itself is very sore.
Is this mastitis? I have no flu symptoms and generally feel ok except for a sore right breast.
Would it happen one week after I weaned?
Any info would be great thanks, I will try and make an appt for my GP, but she is away this week and don't really know any of the other doctors in the surgery.
Thanks!

ETA: I weaned DS1 at 13 months with no problem so this is new to me.

This post has been edited by Mariamsmum: 07/05/2012, 07:57 PM

[CharliMarley]

It certainly could be the start of mastitis if you don't do anything about it. Could you try some hot massages in the shower and push towards the nipple and when you get out - a cold compress on the breast that is so sore. There are also some things you could get at the chemist or the mother direct shop, which are gel pads and you place them in the freezer and then wear them inside your bra. The cold will help the pain. The doctor will give you some other ideas, but before you get to see him, try these hot and cold compresses and massage and the gel pads.

[noi'mnot]

I agree with PP. Call the ABA helpline on 1800 686 2 686 - they'll give you all the advice that you need.

[mibi]

Could be a blocked duct, which is often a precursor to mastitis, especially when you're not breastfeeding to drain it. I would be trying to get some antiobiotics sooner rather than later, because mastitis will hit you like a tonne of bricks.

[*mylittleprince*]

Congratulations on feeding your twins for so long, that is an incredible effort and you should be proud of yourself I am due with twins and really want to breastfeed and you have given me great hope.

DS self-weaned at 17.5 months and it didn't hurt at all. What you have described doesn't sound 'right' IMO.

I would give the ABA a call tonight and then see your doctor asap:

1800 686 268

Some info on mastitis: https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/co...%93mum/mastitis

[fibilly]

I weaned my twin boys at just over 12 months and a few days later, I had tender, lumpy breasts. I was paranoid about mastitis as I had it when the boys were 8 months and it was agony. I rang the ABA and they advised me to hand massage / express in the shower for comfort. The next day the lumps were gone. While I only had mastitis once, it started with just a lump and quickly (within 24 hours) progressed to a massive red inflamed rock-hard breast with a raging fever.

I would make an appointment tomorrow with any GP you can see, and try the massage tonight - cancel the GP appointment if you wake up OK.

Good luck and well done on feeding your twins to 18 months!!

[Mariamsmum]

Thanks everyone.
Well I went to the GP today as I do feel much worse and had an awful night with painful breasts and yes I do have mastitis.
The GP put me on antibiotics and I have been having hot showers and expressing.
I never realised how much it knocks you around!
Thanks again everyone.

[wallofdodo]

Try some cabbage leaves as well.

I was in hospital with mastitis on IV antibiotics and the hospital suggested my partner buy me a cabbage. it was bliss! Soothing and helped to clear as well. it is amazing.

It's an awful thing.

Congratulations on feeding twins for so long!

This post has been edited by wallofdodo: 08/05/2012, 09:59 PM