Currently i am having red patches at breast. Baby is on full direct latch. The boob are generally soft already however its painful when pressed at certain area. Having on n off fever since last night n had taken 2 dosage of panadol. Is it mastitis already? Should i continue to monitor as i continue to let bb latch or i need to start on antibiotics already?

Hi Mommy, sorry you're in pain. It does sound like mastitis -- which is a plugged duct accompanied by flu like symptoms (body aches, nausea, fatigue, headache and fever). There will usually be a hot, tender reddened splotch – usually on the outer and upper part of the breast but it can happen anywhere. Have you tried home remedies yet? Between feedings, you can use a cold compress on the breast to help with any inflammation. Some of my friends take a warm shower to help the circulation in the breast and ease the pain. You should offer baby your sore breast first, and massage the breast towards the nipple before. Massage the breast often during feedings and between feedings to help "move along" the affected area. The panadol should help with the discomfort and pain a little. But if your condition does not improve or gets worse after 24-48 hours, you may need to start the antibiotics.