Not sure where to post about Mastitis

I am not sure if I should post here or not but I figured since so many of you breast feed maybe you could help.

I think I may have mastitis. I have been exclusively pumping for the past couple of weeks and wanted to start weaning off of it because I am going back to work in 2 weeks. I never produced that much milk and always had to supplement with formula. I didn't think it was going to be a problem to pump less but I think it might be. :/

My breasts are so painful and I noticed this red spot on my boob that I originally thought was a pimple but it has no head. I can't even touch them in the shower. Does this sound like mastitis or is it just the regular pain from trying to stop?

What doctor do I call?? My OB?

Thanks for the help!

Re: Not sure where to post about Mastitis

Do you have a fever? Is the red spot hot to the touch? When I had mastitis, i had a fever of over 101. (went up to 101.8 when I called the dr.) i had lumps and red spots for days before, and they were hot to the touch. can't hurt to call your doctor.

Re: Not sure where to post about Mastitis

Call your OB...My fever went up to 105.1 I was admitted to the hospital and had to stay for 3 days when my DD was only 10 days old..It was awful!!

My boobs you couldnt even touch, and at the same time every day I would start getting chills and shakes and thats when my fever would hit. I was even on antibiotics for a week and it did nothing which is why I had to go to the ER and get IV meds...

Re: Not sure where to post about Mastitis

definitely get to your OB asap, i waited too long with a similar situation to yours and I had no fever at all which was weird, but I wasn't BFing and was taking tylenol for my csection pain so that may have been why..

It was so painful and became an abscess that had to be drained by a breast surgeon, and I had to take 2 different antibiotics for about 2-3 weeks after. It was the worst... get it checked out before it gets worse! Feel better!

Re: Not sure where to post about Mastitis

I had mastitis and needed antibiotics. sorry

Re: Not sure where to post about Mastitis

I've had a few clogs and I've had mastitis. The clogs were sore to the touch and I could feel a lump. I was able to work through it with frequent nursing, hot compresses, and hot showers.

With the mastitis, I woke up and my breast hurt so bad. I could barely touch it. A few hours later, I felt like I was getting the flu: headache, chills, fever. I called the doctor. It was after hours and the Dr. was certain it was mastitis, so he called in antibiotics. I also took Advil to help with the massive headache and breast pain. It took a good few days to feel better.
If you suspect mastitis, definitely call your OB. You don't want it to go untreated!

Message edited 3/1/2012 9:43:28 PM.

Re: Not sure where to post about Mastitis

Thanks everyone! I called the doctor and got antibiotics. I don't have a fever but I do have a headache and my breast hurt even after I pump. :/ I hope the antibiotics kick in soon... my poor breast are in so much pain!!