Painful lumpy mass in breast

[McFlickle]

Been bfing for 7 months since my baby was born last December. I've noticed feeding off the right side a bit tender the last couple of days, but thought it was because she really clamped down and almost bit me (no teeth) the other day.
Anyway I've just realised that the tenderness is a kind of lumpy mass, not as big as a golfball but about half that size, to the left of the nipple.
Of course I find it on a Friday night so have to wait all weekend to see GP
Has anyone had anything like this?
I'm freaking out a bit tbh.

[Stevie77]

Could be mastitis. Is the area red? Warm to the touch?

[McFlickle]

Thanks for the reply Stevie, it's not red or warm no

[geekaMaxima]

Sounds like a blocked duct, which could turn into mastitis if left unchecked. Does it feel a little softer after feeds?

Try a hot compress (very warm water in a nappy works v well) on the area right before feeding to try to clear it. Expressing in the bath/shower can also help.

[McFlickle]

Geeka I'm not sure as I've just noticed it after the bedtime feed. DD probably won't feed again til morning but I'll check then, thanks. How long before it would turn into mastitis?
I might go and have a shower now.

[geekaMaxima]

A blocked duct can turn pretty quickly into mastitis, so I wouldn't leave it til morning if your lo is likely to sleep through.

This Kellymom page has more info that should help identify if it is a blocked duct, and what might help.

You could try a hot compress now and massage the lump while expressing. It will take some pressure off and relieve some discomfort, but you might manage to release the blockage completely.

[McFlickle]

I has a bath and expressed, but still pretty lumpy. Thanks for your posts and the link.

[geekaMaxima]

Keep an eye on it and compress/feed tomorrow as much as possible - better to treat it as a blocked duct for now than wait until Mon to see the GP. Good luck

[McFlickle]

DD ended up waking in the night and we did a long feed off that side which seemed to clear it. Is much better this morning thankyou!

[geekaMaxima]

Glad to hear it!

[mrsmugoo]

I'm amazed you got to 7 months without experiencing this!

I get this on average about once a fortnight!