Is this a breast infection from breastfeeding???

Question

I QUIT breastfeeding about 3 weeks to a month ago. Yesterday I noticed my right breast was sore at about the 11 o'clock position and that it had some hardness there. Later that night I noticed that there was a fluid coming from my nipple. It is a clear but cloudy fluid. It does not look like breastmilk to me. Could this just be an infection or possibly something worse? Has anyone ever had the same thing post-breastfeeding???

Answer 1

Did you stop nursing fairly quickly or slowly? Stopping quickly can certainly contribute to plugged ducts which can lead to breast infections.

This DOES NOT sound like a breast infection to me, but a plugged duct. If you had a breast infection (mastitis) you would have deep breast pain (like a deep ache or someone stabbing you!) and flu like symptoms including a fever.

The fluid coming from your nipple is milk.....the consistency has just changed due to your breasts trying to dry up.

To treat a plugged duct, I woud suggest heat and massage.

You might try getting in the shower and aiming the spray of water at your breast. Massage from the outer part of your breast towards the nipple in small circles, kind of like doing a breast exam. You want to try to break up that hardness you felt, where the plugged duct is located.

Kind of awkward to suggest, but another good thing for treating a plugged duct is a vibrator! If you have one, use it to massage the hard area of your breast and it will help work out the plugged duct.

You can use warm compresses (a disposable diaper filled with hot water works well.....holds the heat better than a rag). Then massage the area.

If you are in any pain, ibuprofen can help. Cold compresses can also help with swelling. Taking some vitamin C and pushing fluids would probably be a good idea. You DO NOT need antibiotics unless this turns into mastitis.

Answer 2

To me it sounds like Mastitis. The milk has become blocked in a duct. I had the same type of fluid come out of my breast when I had Mastitis. To be sure though go see your Dr and get it checked out. It doesnt hurt to see a Dr. Good Luck

Answer 3

That is definitely a breastfeeding infection. I actually had one while I was breastfeeding my daughter when she was 3 months old. You need to go to the doctor - they will give you antibiotics for that.

Answer 4

Go to the Dr. you probably have mastitis. It hurts a lot and you can get high fever. It would be best to get on medication right away if you do have it. Ouch. I had it and its not fun.