Hoping it clears on its own - info here to help:
This leaflet on mastitis is also very useful:
Source:
http://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/information/mastitis.phpThe Signs
a red area on part of the breast, often the outer, upper area, which may be painful to touch
a lumpy breast which feels hot to touch
the whole breast aches and may become red
flu-like symptoms - aching, increased temperature, shivering, feeling tearful and tired - this feeling can
sometimes start very suddenly and get worse very quickly
NB You may not have all of the above signs during mastitis.
Mastitis means inflammation of the breast.
The first sign of mastitis is a red, swollen, usually painful, area on the breast.
The redness and swelling is not necessarily a sign of infection. Bacteria are not always present, and
antibiotics may not be needed if self-help measures are started promptly.
You may get mastitis when milk leaks into breast tissue from a blocked duct. The body reacts in
the same way as it does to an infection - by increasing blood supply. This produces the inflammation (swelling) and redness.
Factors which make mastitis more likely
difficulty with attaching (fixing) your baby to the breast - this may mean that the breast is not
drained well
pressure from tight fitting clothing, particularly your bra, or a finger pressing into the breast
during feeds
engorgement
a blocked duct
stress and tiredness
sudden changes in how often the baby is feeding, leaving the breasts feeling full
Mastitis starts with poor milk drainage. If your baby is not in a good position, it may be hard for the baby to take milk effectively and some parts of your breast may not be drained during a feed. Unless this is improved you may get mastitis again and again. If in doubt, contact your midwife, health visitor or volunteer breastfeeding supporter for help with attaching and positioning your baby for feeding.
Supporterline (UK only) 0870 900 8787
Prevention of mastitis
try to avoid suddenly going longer between feeds -if possible cut down gradually
make sure your breasts dont become overfull
avoid pressure on your breast from clothing and fingers
start self-help measures at the first sign of any red area on your breast
Self-help measures
these will also help to clear blocked ducts and engorgement -
keep on breastfeeding - you may feel ill and discouraged but continuing to breastfeed is the quickest way to get better - and wont hurt your baby
feed your baby more frequently or express between feeds if your breasts feel uncomfortably full
express gently after feeds, so that your breasts are kept as well drained as possible, until you feel better
check that your baby is well positioned and attached to your breast - if in doubt seek help from your midwife, health visitor or volunteer breastfeeding supporter (often good positioning and attachment can be made even better)
feed from the side which is sore first to drain it as thoroughly as possible
try feeding with your baby in different positions
soften your breast, by expressing a little milk or running warm water over it, so that the baby finds it easier to feed well
warmth on your breast may help you to feel more comfortable
use a wide toothed comb to stroke gently over the red area and towards the nipple to help the milk flow, or massage gently
check for any clothing which is pressing into your breast, this includes a bra - some women find it helpful to go without a bra - bumps or knocks from toddlers can also have the same effect
rest
remember what you feel like, so if symptoms start to come back, you can start self-help measures right away
If you do not begin to feel better (in 24 hours), or you start to feel worse, despite using these self-help measures, you may need to visit your doctor.
If mastitis is left untreated it can be a very serious situation. Consult your doctor quickly if your temperature rises suddenly or you feel very unwell.[/color]
