Nursing mothers may experience pain or swelling near a lump in their breast, which can be a sign of blocked ducts. This lump may move or get smaller after pumping or feeding, and the discomfort may go away after pumping or feeding. The symptoms of duct obstruction progress gradually and can include pain, a hard lump, a warm, painful area, or a wedge-shaped area of congestion in the breast. Mastitis is another condition that nursing mothers may experience.
Symptoms of mastitis come on quickly and include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, and body aches. The pain is usually more severe than that of a blocked duct, and a woman may also notice red veins on her breasts. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor can diagnose blocked ducts and mastitis and provide treatment to help relieve your symptoms.
Treatment may include antibiotics, warm compresses, massage, and increased breastfeeding frequency. It is also important to make sure that you are draining your breasts completely when breastfeeding.
