mastitis or blocked duct?

[toffer]

Today I noticed my one breast was sore and presumed it was because I had more milk than LO was consuming, but tonight I am red and quite sore in one area that starts at the top of my breast and goes down to my nipple. I can feel a large swollen lump there also...So what to do? Hot compresses and feed lots on that side?
I started taking domperidone and fenugreek, blessed thistle a week or so ago because I was not producing enough milk, now maybe I have too much? I dropped the blessed thistle tonight after figuring out that is was the culprit causing my headaches and am down to one domperidone per day and 2 fenugreek. Any thoughts? Will I need antibiotic's?

[LeeLeeMelis]

I of course and not a doctor but it does sound like you may have mastitis. I had it in one breast and it totally crept up on me, no soreness until after I went to the doctor. I'm pretty sure the only way to get rid of the infection is antibiotics. Just keep feeding baby as it will make it worse to not. Get hot compresses or hot shower on that breast as well. I had flu like symptoms (and actually thought I was pregnant again that's how "off" I felt) and then had the redness and soreness on my skin.

The antibiotics worked really fast for me, I Hope you get some relief soon!

[Lissybits]

I had a blocked duct when DS #2 was 2 months old.
I found dangling my boob in a warm bowl of water and massaging at the same time really helped (not very glamorous, though ). And feeding and pumping as much as possible.
The pain lasted for about 3 days, I seem to remember. Any longer then I would suggest a visit to the Drs.
HTH's
 

[~ Vik ~]

Here is a fantastic link for you:  http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
How to tell the difference and how to treat both