Question on behalf of yaya (Michelle) - she has mastitis :-(

[Samuel's mum]

OK I'm thinking we have a differing idea of what 'no letdown' means. If you were pumping and 'gallons' was coming out - even if only for 2 minutes - that's 'letdown'. Once the milk flow starts - that's letdown. Whether or not you feel it is irrelevant. Some people never feel a sensation at letdown, for some it comes and goes. It might feel different if you are under stress or boobs are engorged or swollen. Just don't worry if you aren't 'feeling' it as you usually do.

When you squeeze the nipple does it seem thick like toothpaste? You are probably clearing a blockage of old infected milk. Continue trying to get it out (if it isn't painful) and use warm compresses. Generally 'better out than in' with this stuff.

[*Nicola*]

Michelle

Wish I could offer something better but I have no advice.  I think you are a wonderful Mummy, I really do.

((Hugs)) 

[yaya]

Thanks Emma, felt letdown like I used to  bedtime feed so def was as you said, it was happening but prob was in too much pain to feel it!! I have a strong letdown reflex and usually I can see it (vein popping up around nipple and nipple shape changes) and feel it (like muscles tensing up in boob). Yep thick, yellowish yuk coming out, have been squeezing loads now it's slightly less painful and as I said bedtime feed went well. I can still feel a pretty big lump towards the top of the boob which REALLy hurts if I try to massage it Good news is temperature stayed down today Kept trying the bottle with no luck, think it's not gonna happen for us, tried sippy cup too no joy Oh well, fingers crossed I can continue Bfing her

[yaya]

Ooops was forgetting, Nic

[Purplecattypants]

I really feel for you michelle, i've had mastitis before too and it makes you feel like death warmed up! Never had the pus thing though ...big hugs! 

[Samuel's mum]

Glad you could feel it. Seeing letdown too - blimey, that's rare!

Keep massaging that lump - while in a hot bath works well. That area could be your culprit. If it's really sore 'brushing it' with a comb can help too.

[yaya]

seeing it is unsual?? NEver knew this!
Not too sore to massage atm but can't see the massaging doing much good, how long does a massive lump take to 'dissolve' (usually!) It's about the size of a creme egg (yum)
Angela..thank you! Mastitis is definately the nastiest beast, it's so quick, you go from normal to feel like on deathbed in 1 hr!!! And OMG the pain, think <I'd rather give birth

[Purplecattypants]

I know, its amazing how quick...when I got it I was absolutely fine, got ready to go out, sat down and fed for about half an hour..when I tried to get up I almost passed out, felt sick etc...by the time I made it into the next room to bed I was shaking uncontrollably and my temp was all over the place...BOOM! Not nice. You have my deepest sympathy 

[binxyboo]

Hope you feel better soon.

That's funny, as I know what you mean about "seeing the letdown"...I notice definite shape changes etc as my milk lets down, maybe more noticeable as I am pretty small chested when not bf'ing, and when my milk lets down, I get bigger, little bumps near the nipple/areola swell and throb etc. Maybe I see it more as both my babies always bob off when letdown happens as it is so forceful.

[Brandessa]

I'm so sorry for you.  I hope your feeling better today.  I've been there as well.  Have you been back to the doctor yet?  I mean since you got the pussy yellow stuff?

[yaya]

 

[Samuel's mum]

Any change on that lump? Annoyingly it won't necessarily 'go away' by itself if there is a blockage (which is why people can get breast abscesses). So that's why you need to keep going and maybe get further help if no change. Keep pumping and feeding - vary positioning so different areas get different pressure (we used to talk about pointing baby's nose at lump but we now know that's not reliable as ducts wiggle all over the place). Try and drain the breast in different ways - hand expression, dangle over pump, pump after feed.

[LucyA]

{{{hugs}}} Michelle

[yaya]

Thanks. Yes It's definately easing up a bit, not painful anymore, just uncomfortable, not engorged. My whole body aches though, am wacked , a bit like when you've just given birth! Mastitis really taakes it out of you