My breasts feel very hot and tender suddenly. Should I be worried?

One of the reasons it is important to rest and eat well when breast feeding is, in addition to producing enough milk, to keep your immune system strong. It is possible to have an infection or a blockage in a milk duct. It is important to keep feeding to help clear up the situation. If your breasts are not empty after a feed, consider expressing any remaining milk until the situation improves. For a blocked duct, emptying of the breast and perhaps a warm compress should suffice in solving the problem. If it persists do call your doctor or breastfeeding councellor.

However if you are experiencing fever and redness of the breast, you should contact your doctor immediately and will need medication and bed rest to overcome the infection. It is vital to act promptly to prevent an abscess from forming. An abscess is a serious condition which may require surgery.

<< back

For more info see index >>