What Causes Breast Swelling While Suffering From Mastitis?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Jul 2018 Answered on

Fri, 7 Jul 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : hello dr I delivered my baby boy on March 30 through c section . After few days of delivery due to poor latch of baby my left breast bled.So I used my right breast to feed baby due to which lumps developed in the left breast for the first time. Then my mother told me to express the milk in left breast. I removed the milk and my breast became normal. After this incidence I used both breast for feeding even then lumps continued to develop in my breasts .The lumps causes intense pain due to which I couldn't sleep. But after nursing my baby few times using the lumpy breasts the lumps dissolved within 24 hrs. I changed my feeding bra as I have read it might cause lumps. It's been 3 months of delivery but still lumps are developed in one of my breast either left or right even nursing the baby within 2-3 hrs. Sometimes breast swell and rope like structure are felt inside the breast. What is the reason behind this. Am I suffering from mastitis.Should I take any painkiller or any other medicinine.

Answered by Dr. Zenab Tambawala (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue breastfeeding

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

The feeling of lumps and 'ropelike structures' is common when breasts are filling with milk. This means you are producing enough milk for your baby.
Please continue to feed your baby regularly every 2 -3 hours and from both breasts. If you feel baby is feeling satiated fast you can also express and store the milk.

No unless there redness, tenderness of breast with fever you do not have mastitis. you do not need to take any painkillers or medications for it currently. Only if you get fever or redness of breast then see a doctor.

Use a comfortable clothes which support you well for breast feeding.

Do not take any excess medications in breast feeding period as it can affect baby. Always consult a doctor before taking medications.

Hope this helps.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad