Is this an abscess?

[snowbunny81]

I got mastitis Saturday and finally got over the high fever today. But now I have a large, painful lump on my right breast. I thought it was a plugged duct, but I can't tell because I can't get much milk out of that breast anyway. I haven't been able to get any milk out of it by hand since Saturday and I don't have a very good pump. My daughter was, at first, just fussy when I tried to put her on that breast, but now she outright refuses to do anything with it. I've already called the LLL lady twice today because someone told me they might be able to hook me up with a better pump, so I don't want to bother her anymore today. I just need to know what to do with this thing in my breast. I am the only person in my family that has nursed longer than a few weeks, so I have no idea what to do here.

[my2sons0930]

It sounds like it could be the start to one. Try a warm compress, try to get DD to nurse on that side and while she is nursing massage the area. Also warm soaks on the breast or a hot shower. I would call your doc or midwife in the morning to have it checked out, if left untreated they need to be drained.

[snowbunny81]

When you massage, how hard are you supposed to do it? I don't want to damage the breast.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by my2sons0930

I would call your doc or midwife in the morning to have it checked out, if left untreated they need to be drained.

:

I hope you are feeling better soon!

(Keep offering that breast - your baby may take it again soon and it will help if she can nurse on that side.)

[Livviesmom0207]

Originally Posted by snowbunny81

When you massage, how hard are you supposed to do it? I don't want to damage the breast.

You won't damage your breast. You need to massage HARD. Take a HOT HOT HOT shower and see if you can get your DP to put pressure on the lump with the heel of his hand. It will hurt, but it will help!

You can also alternate heat and cold if it hurts. I hope you feel better soon!

[my2sons0930]

Originally Posted by snowbunny81

I got mastitis Saturday and finally got over the high fever today. But now I have a large, painful lump on my right breast. I thought it was a plugged duct, but I can't tell because I can't get much milk out of that breast anyway. I haven't been able to get any milk out of it by hand since Saturday and I don't have a very good pump. My daughter was, at first, just fussy when I tried to put her on that breast, but now she outright refuses to do anything with it. I've already called the LLL lady twice today because someone told me they might be able to hook me up with a better pump, so I don't want to bother her anymore today. I just need to know what to do with this thing in my breast. I am the only person in my family that has nursed longer than a few weeks, so I have no idea what to do here.

I really hope you got it looked at. And of course I Hope you are feeling better :