Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

So I this week I noticed that was left breast was producing less than my right. I thought nothing of it. I accidentally STTN twice this week (one time it was DS 1st night sleeping straight through and then the next night DH didn't have the heart to wake me up to pump) so anyways fast forward to friday. I notice that my breast is tender and there is a knot I just can't seen to get out (sort of like milk that can't get out) and when I got home I had the chills (very obvious when I am wearing a hoodie in 80 degree weather). I have a fever again at night.

Went to the doctor yesterday and she gave me antibiotics and said to call my LC cause she didn't know what to do with the milk since she doesn't know much about lactation. So I called LC, she said to pump as much as possible (which I already was). I have tried putting DS on but he has never been interesting in breastfeeding so I have been EP). She wants me to postpone the antibiotics cause we all know that antibiotics can lead to yeast infections which can cause thrush.

So my question is the following... I have not had a fever now for over 24 hours. I don't have any flu like symptoms but I still have the sore spot, red spot, and pain in my left breast. I know you are not doctors, but from people who have expereince both a clogged duct and mastitis what do my current symptoms sound like?

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

I also had a clogged duct once. No fun at all to run a fever and be in so much pain while bfing.

My Dr also knew nothing of breastfeeding/lactation and referred me to La leche league/the internet

I found that constant massaging the area and applying both hot AND cold compresses helped alleviate it in a few days.

Don't let it discourage you. I know u didn't allude to that in your post, but I remember feeling like quitting myself when that happened...luckily had my mom to keep encouraging me.

Hope you feel better soon!

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

What ALWAYS worked for me was laying the baby down on a bed and leaning over to nurse. The force of gravity and change in position always cleared the plug.

Since you said you're really EP, perhaps try to lean way forward with your pump on it's highest setting.

Also, I found that taking ibuprophen helps in that it reduces swelling.

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

I have had mastitis and was told it was ok to use the milk while on the antibiotics. I did and DS and DD had no problems.

But if your fever is gone maybe you don't need them. What works for me to release my clogs is to put warm/hot water in a ziplock bag and put it directly on my breast by the clog for about 20 minutes or so and then pump. When I pump I massage the ball out with my hands or sometimes I even use the bottom of the bottle and really push.

Feel better I know how much it stinks!

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

Posted by allIwant

I have had mastitis and was told it was ok to use the milk while on the antibiotics. I did and DS and DD had no problems.

But if your fever is gone maybe you don't need them. What works for me to release my clogs is to put warm/hot water in a ziplock bag and put it directly on my breast by the clog for about 20 minutes or so and then pump. When I pump I massage the ball out with my hands or sometimes I even use the bottom of the bottle and really push.

Feel better I know how much it stinks!

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

Posted by TnJ2007

Posted by allIwant

I have had mastitis and was told it was ok to use the milk while on the antibiotics. I did and DS and DD had no problems.

But if your fever is gone maybe you don't need them. What works for me to release my clogs is to put warm/hot water in a ziplock bag and put it directly on my breast by the clog for about 20 minutes or so and then pump. When I pump I massage the ball out with my hands or sometimes I even use the bottom of the bottle and really push.

Feel better I know how much it stinks!

ITA!!
i had mastitis in both breasts and took antibiotics for a week as perscribed and didn't have any issue with yeast and neither did DD. also the warm compress and massaging the breast in the hot shower also helped .

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

Thanks ladies for the hugs, support, and tips.

Gonna keep trying to massage and get the lump out. It hurts like hell when I massage but its worth the pain to keep feeding my son. I got this far (almost 4 months) and I wanna make my 6 month mark and beyond if possible.

If anyone has any more suggestions bring them on. :)

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

I had a very similar situation once. I was so chilly and running a fever and my one breast was sore to the touch (could feel a knot/lump as well) I went to town the next two days pumping that side after every feeding and having DS latch there first (even though it really was painful) for every feeding.
Within 2 days it was fine again. I never even called the dr.

GL!

ETA: I also did massage it as much as I could especially when pumping!

Message edited 5/29/2011 12:59:44 PM.

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

I had a really bad case of mastitis and clogs a few weeks ago. I was told taking the antibiotics and still giving the milk was fine.
Personally, I would take the antibiotics. My fever would come and go, but even without the fever you still have an infection that the antibiotics need to fight.

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

sounds like you did have mastitis. i don't know if it can go away on it's own, but if you are feeling better, I would say trying massaging while pumping. After I got mastitis i did this every single time, b/c i was so fearful of getting it again.

warm compresses are great and also - try waiting for the second letdown. You may wait 2-5 minutes while pumping, but it will let down again. That way you know that everything has cleared out.


FWIW - I took antibiotics for the mastitis while BFing with no problems.

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

I think you definitely have mastitis from your symptoms. I don't think a clogged duct causes flu like symptoms like that. I had mastitis with DS and it sounds very similar. I was also very hesitant to take the antibiotics - so hesitant that I even pumped and dumped rather than giving it to him. That said, my OB was insistent that you need the antibiotics to clear the infection even if the fever goes away and you are feeling better b/c if the mastitis spreads or comes back it can lead to VERY serious problems. I told my story to a friend and she told me what happened to her and she ended up needing some kind of surgery.

Personally, I would never take the lactation person's word over my Dr. The lactation consultant tried to scare the heck out of me too and, you know what, she was wrong. I ended up EBF my DS for 10 mos. He latched right back on and was off formula the second I was off the antibiotics - I didn't get thrush or anything else like that and never had another infection.

You have to do what you feel comfortable with but, personally, I would go with what my OB told me - I don't think an infection is something youwant to mess around with - especially, since if it gets worse you might need stronger antibiotics or more aggressive treatment

Message edited 5/29/2011 3:09:14 PM.

Re: Clogged Duct or Mastitis????

Hi, I had EVERY symptom of mastitis in my first few months of BFing.. went to 3 different doctors, spoke to LCs, and all said I was fine. I finally saw Dr Lauren Macaluso in new hyde park who is a breastfeeding medicine doctor. She is BRILLIANT! She spent over and hour with me and DD explaining BFing, positioning, symptoms & disorders that other doctors never even heard of. I would HIGHLY recommend seeing her.

I personally never did have mastitis or any sort of infection. I simply had a very rough time with BFing due to vasospasms. I had a fever & was bedridden for 2-3 days at a time every couple weeks. I kept up with the BFing as painful as it was and finally after about 3-4 months it became bearable and now at 6m all these symptoms have gone away. I know 100% how horrible it is and how helpless you feel, which is why I definitely suggest seeing Dr Lauren. She will put you at ease, regardless of the outcome. I wish you the best!