I have a question about breastfeeding.?!
Question: I have been breastfeeding for 3 months now and all of a sudden I feel a lot of soreness in my right breast. It is not just the nipple, it's my whole breast. I am afraid I have an infection. I don't have a fever, my breast is not feel hot or swollen. It just feels sore, that's it. So do you think that could be an infection or should I just wait and see if this will go away by itself. Has anyone else had this happen to them and if so what happened. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Answers: I have been breastfeeding for 3 months now and all of a sudden I feel a lot of soreness in my right breast. It is not just the nipple, it's my whole breast. I am afraid I have an infection. I don't have a fever, my breast is not feel hot or swollen. It just feels sore, that's it. So do you think that could be an infection or should I just wait and see if this will go away by itself. Has anyone else had this happen to them and if so what happened. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
It could be an infection, or perhaps you've encountered a blocked milk duct. For immediate care, I'd suggest warm to hot compresses, which could solve the problem. And if it doesn't feel better pretty darned soon, get into your doctor's office for a check.
John Jones, M.D.
Hmm...
I've been nursing my son for 14 months now and I have been very fortunate not to get an infection. I wish I could recall more in the earlier months (I regret not kept a journal). I do remember having occasional soreness from being engorged with milk, in which case I would pump and dump. But nothing that turned into an infection.
My sister-in-law had mastitis 11 times (yikes). She had fever/flu like symptoms and had to take an antibiotic every time.
My friend experienced something like you, but it went away after several days or a week.
My suggestion is to call your OB/GYN and talk to the nurse practitioner, or a lactation consultant. I'm certain they get calls regarding this all the time, and could help give you peace of mind.
Best wishes! and congrats on your little one!