lingering infection?

[Just1More]

When my last baby was about 2.5 months old, I got a breast infection. Fever, chills, weak, whole 9 yards. I went to the ER and got antibiotics, but only took a few pills . I felt better within a few days.

Since then, though, along the same spot (which tends to be pushed on by my nursing tanks), and one along the top, will occasionally be sore, and maybe a touch red (not usually). It would still bother me sometimes, even when dd2 weaned (May 2010?)

So, now baby dd3 is here. I'm not noticing it much now (since EVERYTHING hurts, lol), but was wondering if I have some sort of lingering infection?

And what should I do about it?

[ewe+lamb]

it doesn't sound like an infection it sounds like a plugged duct that's never been resolved TBH, actually from the fever chills etc it's more likely mastitis that's never fully cleared. if you notice that you have a red patch and soreness do something before the fever etc, first of all, it sounds as if you need to get a couple of decent nursing bras, they should fit well without causing any obstruction for the milk ducts. Second to remove the block you need to work at it, hot compresses - really hot hot hot, as hot as you can stand without burning yourself or your baby, place the compress on the part of the breast which is affected then nurse your baby with the chin directed to the part of the breast which has the block, you can also take hot showers and use the power adaptor - if you're not in too much pain. Massage the breast starting at the top of the breast or under the arm, or the furthest away from the nipple and work down, massage using the palm of your hand in firm but gentle circular movements moving slowly down towards the nipple, then when it's easier for you your can use your fingertips.

What is important when faced with mastitis is not so much the antibiotics but actually removing the block that is obstructing the milk duct otherwise it will become recurring and very unpleasant. So if you need to, with a high fever, take the antibiotics but don't think for a moment that the antibiotics will cure the block, that has to be done physically by yourself or even better - by your baby. Keep nursing - you may feel slightly bruised but just keep nursing and all should be well, if it doesn't feel like it's clearing up then contact LLL and/or a good IBCLC.