Any BF moms experienced with blocked duct/mastitis... may be TMI for some

Sorry so long but would appreciate if anyone could help or advise...

I called my on call OB but cancelled the request when they asked if it
was an emergency. I'm not really sure I'm at "emergency" so I'll wait to call first thing tomorrow.

Here's my sitch... I could have a clogged duct, which I've had before and kind of worse/different pain than this. Or I'm wondering now if I may have the onset of mastitis???

Starting yesterday afternoonish, I started getting a little sore on my left side. I attributed it to the fact that DS had his first trip to the ER with croup this past Thursday/Friday so between poor latches/positioning and him BF often (not interested in his solids), I just figured I was getting sore. I BF'd on my right first each time so the sore left would be let down and less painful.

Soreness increased today, and not sure if related but I had a lot of body ache (no fever), so I took some Tylenol, applied a hot compress, massaged and then pumped as I was a bit engorged because DS did take some solid breakfast today. My milk in the pump was a bit more yellowish than usual. The milk in the bottle was normal consistency however, in the breast cup part, all around my nipple, was (TMI alert) thick, dark yellowy, mucusy milk (?) that had a not so great odor. I assumed that I did indeed have a clogged milk duct and that was the clog that I'd expressed with the pump. I dumped that few ounces because it was just not right to me.

So after this pump episode, I actually did start to feel better. Less body ache, less soreness to the breast and when DS BF, it was not sore at all. Still had some tenderness to the touch of the breast. Nipple is okay. It's more of an inner breast tenderness. But when I put on my pj's tonight, I got a look at my breast in the mirror and it's kind of half red with a slight puffiness. As if I spilled hot water on it and got a slight burn. I did make the compress earlier today on the hot side but did not notice this redness until now.

My gut (along with some internet research) is telling me it was a severe clogged duct which from what I've read can have similar symptoms of mastitis. Just wanted to make sure that I could get through the night should it be onset of mastitis and not that I'll wake up with crazy fever and pain.

If you've read this far, thank you so much!

I guess what I want to know is if anyone had a clogged duct with redness and/or if you had mastitis, did it seem to go down like this? Thanks!

Re: Any BF moms experienced with blocked duct/mastitis... may be TMI for some

Could be mastitis or a yeast infection of some sort. You can get through the night even if it is. I had it twice and wasn't able to get to the dr either time until later on, keep massaging and nurse nurse nurse through it as much as you can. If you do wake up with a fever take some tylenol or advil...I remember when I woke up with a fever from mastitis and I had DH keep putting cold washcloths on my forehead, that really really helped to bring my temp down. I did end up having to get a scrip from my OB for....diflucan I think it was. Hang in there!

Message edited 1/18/2010 9:33:05 PM.

Re: Any BF moms experienced with blocked duct/mastitis... may be TMI for some

The one tried and true method that ALWAYS worked for me was to lay the baby on a bed and to nurse while leaning over. The force of gravity always worked to force the clog out.

Hope you feel better!