What is this?!

[atpeace]

My symptoms today and yesterday: very full left breast, super tender, especially close to the under-arm, lumpy, and I'm extra tired with a sore throat. Is it just a plugged duct, engorgement, or mastitis? I thought engorgement doesn't usually happen this far out from birth (DS is 3 months old)? And with mastitis I've heard I would be feeling super-sick, right? Or is this how it begins and I might wake up tomorrow feeling like a bus hit me...can I prevent it? Or am I just getting a cold, and have a plugged duct on top of it?

I'd rather not have to go to a walk-in clinic and wait for hours to be seen by a doctor (who probably wouldn't know much about breastfeeding anyway, from my experience)...

Anyone have any wisdom to share?

[CoopersMommy0308]

Sounds like the start of mastitis to me. I'd start popping raw garlic asap. As much as you can handle all the time. And get lots of rest. Sounds like a nursing in bed week to me. Hope you feel better soon!

[aphel]

Similar experience over here . . . .

I stood in the steaming hot shower for a good half hour massaging and hand expressing. It hurt, but it was worth it. Then I nursed DD with her laying on her back and me on all fours over her (looked ridicluous when her papa got home) so the boob kind of hung down. Milk drains really well this way.

I also slept a ton over the next 24-48 hours, and only wore stretchy sleep bras, nothing constricting.

If it was mastitis, you would most likely have a fever. I'm pretty sure what I dealt with (swollen/engorged breast, painful lump by armpit, exhaustion, chills but no temp) was not true mastitis, and I was able to alleviate symptoms at home. But if you feel awful, run a high temp, or notice a red streak, you should see a doc! Also, if home treatment doesn't make the lump go away, someone should take a look at it.

Heat, rest, and keep that boobie empty!

[maddymama]

You've gotten great advice so far. Sounds like a plugged duct/start of mastitis. Hopefully you can nurse alot, stay hydrated, and rest a whole bunch for the next few days.
~maddymama