Last Monday morning (8Sept2014), I woke up having very swollen left armpit that goes til' half of my left breast that was really so uncomfortable with my arm. I was wondering why just suddenly it happened so quick that I slept all is well then woke up in pain. Then I noticed that I feel cold, got a thermometer to check, and yes was having a fever, too, that goes with terrible headaches and muscle pains, that I really wanna cry. My left breast was very sore that I can't even touch it.
The thought that my baby could had kick me in there while we're sleeping came to my mind but strange it may be as he was always settled in one position every time he sleeps. I just remember then that it may be a clogged milk ducts which happens when the milk duct has become inflamed because the milk is unable to flow through easily though I know this is very common the moment your milk arrives after giving birth.
I had made a research on the net about the symptoms and was really surprised that it matches that of mine and it's called "mastitis". Didn't have idea that it could still happen in later stage as I thought it only happens when your milk arrives soon after birth. I think it might have something to do that night time feeding when my baby not milking my breast well as most of the time he easily falls asleep just after a short time latch.
To share, here's what I have read from Babycenter by Susan Condon, a lactation consultant:
How can I tell if I have mastitis?
All breastfeeding women should know the signs of mastitis (a breast infection), what to do if they develop this condition, and how to prevent it.
Mastitis refers to any inflammation of the breast, whether the mother has a fever or bacterial infection or not. Symptoms of breast infection, which may come on gradually or suddenly, include:
• Intense pain in one or both breasts
• Red, hot, or swollen breast or a hard, tender, reddened area on the breast
• Flu-like symptoms, including a fever of 101 degrees F (38.4 degrees C) or higher
If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you have a cracked nipple that appears infected, see pus or blood in your milk, or detect red streaks on your breast, call your doctor. In any case, you can and should continue breastfeeding.
Your midwife or doctor will likely recommend home treatment (see below), and, if your fever continues for more than 24 hours, may prescribe an antibiotic compatible with breastfeeding.
If you get a breast infection:
• Apply either dry or wet heat directly to your breast (placing hot washcloths on the affected breast before each feeding works well) and gently massage the area while feeding.
• Start each feeding on the affected breast. As painful as it may be at first, breastfeeding through a breast infection is essential—if you stop, you'll get engorged and only aggravate the problem.
• Make sure your baby is positioned well and latches on to as much breast tissue as possible.
• Vary your nursing positions.
• Don't wear tight clothing.
• Loosen your bra or go braless.
• Rest! Mastitis is a sign that you are doing too much too soon. Leave the dirty dishes, ask someone else to fold the laundry, limit visitors.
You can get mastitis for many reasons—the usual cause is a plugged duct in your breast; others are engorgement, your baby's changing feeding patterns (now that he's sleeping through the night), or pressure on your breasts from tight clothing or undergarments.
PREVENTION TIPS
To avoid getting mastitis again follow these:
• Check your nursing position. Is your baby gripping breast tissue or just the nipple while feeding? Poor latch-on and positioning or improper sucking can contribute to mastitis; if your baby is not milking the breast properly and efficiently, your breasts may become too full or engorged. He should have the nipple as well as the areola—the dark or pink area that surrounds the nipple—fully in his mouth.
Then consider the following—each could contribute to a bout of mastitis:
• Is your baby sleeping longer stretches and feeding less often? This could lead to engorgement and possibly mastitis.
• Are you limiting time at the breast, leading to shorter feedings? Have you started to give supplementary bottles or a pacifier to your baby? Has your baby's nursing pattern changed abruptly because of teething, a cold, or your own schedule? If you notice a feeling of fullness in your breast when you're not nursing, try to release it—by nursing, pumping, or hand expressing, or by taking a hot shower or bath—to avoid discomfort and possible engorgement.
• Is there consistent pressure on your breast? Check the fit of your bra—underwire bras are not recommended for nursing mothers as the underwire presses into the ductile system—and eliminate tight clothing. Even a swimsuit or leotard can contribute to mastitis. Is your purse or diaper bag strap placing undue pressure on your breasts? Are your breast pads or shells making your bra too tight? Do you sleep on your stomach or let your baby rest on your chest? If you answered yes to any of these, you may have found the cause of your mastitis.
If you get mastitis more than once, you may not have fully recovered from your first infection, or you may be too fatigued and stressed. Remember to take it easy.
If you have repeated bouts of mastitis, be sure to mention it to your healthcare provider. In very rare cases, recurring mastitis may be a warning sign of a breast tumor, and you'll want to rule out this possibility.
While from AskDrSears, these were the symptoms I had read:
Signs of mastitis include:
• Part or all of the breast is intensely painful, hot, tender, red, and swollen. Some mothers can pinpoint a definite area of inflammation, while at other times the entire breast is tender.
• You feel tired, run down, achy, have chills or think you have the flu. A breastfeeding mother who thinks she has the flu probably has mastitis. Mothers with mastitis will sometimes experience these flu-like symptoms, even before they get a fever or notice breast tenderness.
• You have chills or feel feverish, or your temperature is 101F or higher. These symptoms suggest that you have an infection.
• You are feeling progressively worse, your breasts are growing more tender, and your fever is becoming more pronounced. With simple engorgement, a plugged duct, or mastitis without infection, you gradually feel better instead of worse.
• Recent events have set you up for mastitis: cracked or bleeding nipples, stress or getting run down, missed feedings or longer intervals between feedings.
SOURCES:
Babycenter -> http://www.babycenter.com/404_how-can-i-tell-if-i-have-mastitis_1929.bc
AskDrSears -> http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/feeding-eating/breastfeeding/common-problems/mastitis
So I got most of those symptoms above that wasn't really that easy to deal with, swollen left breast, those aching body pains especially on my legs and lower back were so bad that I wasn't able to sleep well that night added the severe headaches which doesn't go that day even I was taking paracetamols time to time.
Warm compress
Breastfeeding your baby more often is the best way to relieve it
Glad it went away the next day, was able to sleep well the other night. Warm compress, a good sleep and somewhat a massage from hubby had made me feel better but I think breastfeeding my baby more often on my left that time did helped a lot. Thanks be to God!
"Keep calm and carry on breastfeeding."
Photo taken from:
http://www.ladycarehealth.com/symptoms-and-treatment-of-breast-infections-in-breastfeeding-women/
http://cargocollective.com/ankolie/Breastfeeding-and-Pregnancy-drawings
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