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July 2014 Moms
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Mastitis or plugged duct?

PrncestaPrncesta member
in July 2014 Moms
Hi ladies!

I'm currently breastfeeding and pumping throughout the day along with supplementing since I'm not producing a huge amount of milk (only 2 oz per pump session combined). The last few days I've been having serious tenderness and soreness in my left breast. I've tried massaging it out while pumping and nursing. It got better yesterday and now today is back full force.

Being a FTM, I'm not sure what the difference in feelings is between a plugged duct and mastitis. I have had a slight headache and slight body aches as well, but nothing like I've read comes along with mastitis.

What are the differences of the two and how do you know what you have? Which doctor do I call for an appointment? Do I call my OBGYN or my regular physician?

Thanks!
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Re: Mastitis or plugged duct?

  • Artistmom30Artistmom30 member
    I knew I had mastitis when I felt like I had been hit by a Mac truck. Body aches were always the first sign for me. Also, watch for a red patch on the breast.

    A plugged duct is hard and painful. Breastfeeding frequently is the best way to relieve it. Applying moist heat helps as well.

    Lastly, when in doubt, call the OB.
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  • shortstack930shortstack930 member
    I had a friend that has mastitis and I remember her saying she felt very flu-like and had a fever.
    TTC History
    Me: 35 DH: 34
    Married 07/2012
    DD born 07/2014
    DD2 born 10/2018
    DS born 10/2022

    IF history:
    TTC #2 since January 2016
    June-Aug 2017: 3 IUIs w/Clomid = BFN
    Sept 2017: Dx w/Endometriosis
    Oct 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
    Nov 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
    Dec 2017: pre-IVF testing
    Jan-Feb 2018: IVF--17 eggs retrieved, 13 fertilized, 9 frozen and 1 transferred on 2/10 = BFP on 2/19!!! EDD 10/29/2018
    FET Oct 2021: BFP on 10/31! MC at 5 weeks
    FET Feb 2022: BFP on 2/15! EDD 10/29/22


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  • alwyssmilinalwyssmilin member
    I had it twice with DS1 and got it again at 2 weeks with this little one. The Mack Truck analogy is spot on. Fever/chills is another sign. A plugged duct can turn into mastitis, so keep nursing and doing what you're doing and go in ASAP if you start to feel "lousy" very suddenly. The sooner you start the amazing antibiotics the faster the turnaround (at least in my experience)
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  • PrncestaPrncesta member
    Thank you girls. I made an appointment and I'm on my way now.
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  • Nichole8787Nichole8787 member
    Oh no @prncesta! Feel better labor buddy! Keep trying Breast feeding will get better...and if it doesn't that's ok too. You just do whatever is best for your family
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  • 1982Babies1982Babies member
    I had fever, redness, aches and chills with serious pain in my boob and I figured it was just a clogged duct.  The first time, it resolved in 24 hours.  I pumped out some blood tinged milk that time.  The second time, it was more like 50 hours.

    The doctor told me "I was working something out", but didn't give me any antibiotics or anything.

    Lots of massage (it friggen SUCKS, but it will help), heat and ice packs alternating, pumping, avoiding tight bras/clothing (seriously, get a Bravado bra or two-- or the camis. worth every penny), and pumping 8-9x per day when you're clogged.  I'm only pumping 5-6x a day now and I am sure to get a minimum of 15 minutes per pump.  Most pumps, I will do 20-25 minutes.  Yesterday, I felt a clog coming on and pumped for 40 minutes and got 10.25 oz out (usual is 4-6 oz/session).

    Take Tylenol as directed, too.

    Good luck! 
    *SIGGY*
    Baby G born 6/6/14, 37 weeks 1 day due to preeclampsia.  5lb12oz 19"
    #2 due Christmas 2016. 





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  • ghostof5lettersghostof5letters member
    Prncesta How are you feeling? What did your doctor diagnose you with? It sounded like a clog to me based on your description. 
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  • PrncestaPrncesta member
    I have a clogged duct and mastitis. He put me on an antibiotic which worked wonders but the clog is still there...now I'm dealing with a rash on my nipples that I'm concerned might be thrush...I'm failing miserably at the breastfeeding thing...my breasts just don't want to be normal and let me just feed!!

    Thanks for asking! @ghostof5letters‌
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  • missyrissymissyrissy member
    On a similar topic, has anyone ever had a staph infection in your breasts/nipples? I have a culture being sent out. My nipples are SOooo sore and I had a white filmy stuff around the nipple but nothing else. No fever, chills, etc.
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  • ghostof5lettersghostof5letters member
    missyrissy said:
    On a similar topic, has anyone ever had a staph infection in your breasts/nipples? I have a culture being sent out. My nipples are SOooo sore and I had a white filmy stuff around the nipple but nothing else. No fever, chills, etc.
    Not in my nipple, but I had an abscess that was the entire underside of my breast and has to see a breast surgeon weekly. 


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