Is this mastitis?

[georgeo]

For a few days now I have replaced the mid day feed with formula as I am going back to work 3 days a week in two weeks. Dd is just over 11 months. This morning I woke up and one breast felt very bruised. It also feels like there is a large lump. Does that sound like mastitis? I'm tired, but then again I'm always tired these days lol. Can you get it this late into breastfeeding?

Thanks

[*Ali*]

It sounds like a blocked duct which could develop into mastitis. Do you have a fever or any flu-like symptoms? A warm compress and massage while feeding will help. I would get it checked by a Dr if in doubt.

[georgeo]

I'm really tired but honestly I usually am. I've tried a warm compress this morning. Would you go back to nursing at that time, pump or just wait until after her next nap to bf as I have been doing? I thought it would be better if she is used to not bf at that time, then have her get used to me being away during the day those 3 days.

[SuperNerdy]

Be careful with that blocked duct, if it gets blocked for too long... oh the pain!!  Oh and it could also develop into mastitis, which is not good either.

Your breasts should be able to adapt to the dropped feed, but you want to get that duct unblocked ASAP.

The best way that I have found to do this is to use a warm compress for about 15 minutes to soften the blockage (the lump) and then get baby to feed on the blocked breast. Turn her so that her chin is facing the blockage as this will have her pull milk from that area first and keep the warm compress in place. If it's been blocked for a while, it may not come out without a lot of hard work from baby, but it will eventually. Massage the blockage while she's feeding also helps as well.

You might also want to try pumping or hand expressing during the midday feed (less than your daughter would drink, but enough to keep the ducts clear) to prevent this from happening again until your breasts adjust to the decreased consumption.

Good luck.

[YussiCat]

It could def turn into mastitis, try hot shower, I almost got it 2 weeks ago after 11months of bf, my daughter started to drink less efficiently and a blocked duct ( which I had gotten twice before) turned into a bad episode of teeth shattering chills, a sore breast and burning skin and redness on the area that hurt. I pumped: nothing, it go worst and I really felt worst my body started to hurt everywhere. Then I got in the shower and aimed the hot water directly at the affected area an massaged as much milk out as I could for about 15 min, and it was gone, the symptoms all went away one by one, but it was a sample of how bad mastitis can get. You need to fix it before it gets serious and if for some reason u can't dont wait to call your doctor.

[*Ali*]

If it is mastitis then you will need a course of antibiotics to clear it usually.