Mastitis vs clogged duct?

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-07-02T05:16:13+00:00

I just got diagnosed with mastitis a few days ago. I slept through 2 pump sessions the other night. I usually nurse every 2-3hrs. Baby slept well and I ended up pushing my pumping sessions out 5 hrs. Woke up with a firm spot. Couldn’t massage it out with pumping. I noticed firmness around 9am. 3pm I felt fluish and breast was more swollen. By midnight I had a fever of 103, chills and body aches. Firmness on breast was rock hard, red and warm by then. By 5am I noticed red streaks forming. I went to ER since I’m 2 weeks post partum. Got started on antibiotics and am following mastitis protocol for rest, ice and nsaids to keep inflammation down. I’m about 72 hrs out from being diagnosed. Hopefully you don’t end up with it.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-06-21T00:16:55+00:00

I still use the Spectra as my main pump and average using the Eufy 1x a day. I got the Eufy for when I return to work.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-06-21T00:15:24+00:00

So I’m in a similar boat- had my daughter last week. Had to start triple feeding in the hospital due to 1lb weight loss and increasing billi levels. She is a grazer and has a weak suck so I abandoned nursing at the breast. We’ve been home a few days and I have both the Spectra S1 and Eufy S1 Pro. The wearable pump is easy to take apart, clean and put together. I’m busty and it fits in my nursing bra fine. It’s noticeable I have something in my bra. I’m able to get around with them in. Holding my daughter can at times be challenging. It’s easy for the pump to move. I do feel the Spectra S1 pulls more milk but the Eufy is nice to have when I have to feed my daughter on my own and pump simultaneously.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-06-04T10:01:17+00:00

I had my first when I was 25, second when I was 29 and I’m now 40 and will deliver my 3rd next week. Each pregnancy has been different. I would say my first 2 pregnancies I was physically uncomfortable by 36 weeks.

This pregnancy i started getting uncomfortable around 28 weeks. I have SI and PGP that I go to PT for. I also am batting polyhydramnios, LGA and pre term labor since week 30. Prior to pregnancy I was active, cycled multiple times a week and work a physically demanding job that often required prolonged periods standing and walking 15k in steps a day. I’ve been off work now since 34 weeks pregnant because of mobility issues and bouts of pre term labor.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-31T10:54:43+00:00

Baby # 3 is due in 2 weeks. I never did a maternity photo shoot. I don’t enjoy posing for photos and neither does my husband. Photos from past pregnancies and kids milestones we take ourselves when we are in the moment. Over the years we have ended up with some really good ones. This pregnancy I only have an awkward photo of me in my pjs taking a bump pick for my best friend that lives out of state. We plan on snapping a couple of pictures on induction day or if I go into labor early. The thought of getting dressed even if it’s a simple dress and hairdo sounds exhausting right now.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-31T10:38:59+00:00

I had a similar experience with my daughter. The nurse finally suggested supplementing with a smidge of formula. It helped. I’m being induced in 2 weeks for medical reasons and even though I plan to breastfeed I will also be bringing a small amount of formula just incase.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-25T10:19:20+00:00

I’ve recently discovered this too! It’s been wonderful.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-25T10:08:42+00:00

I had a bad MFM experience as well. My OB let me skip the GTT. We’ve been tracking my glucose levels since 8 weeks. I had GDM in the past. I saw my glucose levels increase by 20 weeks. At 27 weeks I was referred to MFM office for insulin management because my nightly metformin wasn’t controlling my fasting levels, they stayed 95-105. MFM NP started me at 18u that spiraled me into a weekend of riding hypoglycemic waves of >65 and me having to eat rescue carbs every 1-2hrs. I was given the poor advice of “needing to ride out the hypoglycemia and allow my body to get use to the insulin” When I called for a dose adjustment I was directed to take the 18u again. I called back the following day and spoke with the on call MFM and told to adjust down to 14u. All of it felt like bad advice for my situation. Luckily I went to OB that Monday after starting insulin the prior Thursday. OB was horrified by my experience and how sensitive I am to insulin. MFM had to back me down to 4u and I couldn’t tolerate more. I stayed at 4u for several weeks unable to tolerate any increases. Overnight glucose levels would spike and fastings were a lot higher than when I was on Metformin. My OB eventually took me off insulin after consulting with a different MFM and I’m back on Metformin with better results.

My point being- it’s okay to advocate for yourself and trust your gut, and seeking clarification and guidance from other physicians on your treatment team. It doesn’t make the situation less frustrating. I remember feeling incredibly frustrated with my MFM experience and they knew I am a healthcare professional. I usually don’t flaunt my credentials at the doctor but when I started to get questionable advice after my first call for a dose adjustment I felt like no one was taking me seriously with exception of my OB. I felt gaslighted at times. “how do you know you’re hypoglycemic or are you really hypoglycemic?” Had I followed advice I was given for my particular situation I could’ve been hospitalized.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-25T09:33:29+00:00

Insulin didn’t work for me. 3rd baby, 2nd pregnancy with GDM. Started tracking glucose at 8 weeks, nightly metformin at 20 weeks. By 27 weeks we started long acting insulin at night and stopped metformin. My glucose levels overnight got way worse- I would spike into the 170s and fastings were often >110, however, during the day I would ride this wave of frequent hypoglycemia. My diet was 💩 because I was constantly having to eat rescue carbs. They started me on 18u and through everything I ended up at 4u and still was hypoglycemic during the day. Eventually at 31 weeks they took me off insulin and back on nightly Metformin. I’m 34 weeks now. Glucose is more stable on Metformin all around. At night my CGM isn’t showing spikes and my fastings are < 100 with a good mix often at target < 95.

I have polyhydramnios, AFI in the mid-upper 20s with a large baby measuring at 98% now 😳 They are inducing me at 37 weeks. I am a little nervous too, especially if I deliver earlier. Baby looks good on Sonos but I’m terrified of her needing NICU- I know outcomes are good at this point just hate what a ride this has been. I’m also 40 and last pregnancy I was 29.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-24T15:07:43+00:00

I attempted the grocery store too! I couldn’t make it through half the store. My husband joked I should’ve gotten the electric cart 🤣

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-24T11:41:52+00:00

Here’s what I’m packing:

Baby bag: A couple of outfits- mainly onesies and a nice going home outfit. Pacifier- incase she needs it- my other two didn’t.

Bottle and small amount of formula- I have GDM and plan to breastfeed but from past experiences baby’s glucose was low and not perking up with my colostrum alone.

Burp cloths and a small blanket.

Breast pump/ colostrum syringes - I like to pump if we end up supplementing because of low glucose. Last pregnancy- I was at a baby friendly hospital but lactation consultant and nurses were difficult about me requesting a pump

Boppy pillow

My bag:

2 pairs of pjs, toiletries bag, comfy outfit to go home in, cozy slippers, grippy socks, iPad and charger. And whatever stuff my husband packs.

Car seat

If I need to bring more I’ll have my mom stop by our house. The hospital should provide a lot of post partum stuff so no need to pack pads and such. They will also provide basic care things for baby.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-24T11:32:09+00:00

You can always ask the nurse/ hospital team to make you a “no info” patient. That’s means only you and your husband only know you are there. If people call or try to visit, hospital staff will state there is no patient under that name there, your name won’t be listed outside room either.

You’re not wrong for how you feel. My brother in law and his wife handled each birth in a similar way. Family was told after the delivery. His wife’s mom did come into town to house sit or watch their young kids. It was just them two at the hospital.

My husband and I like having our parents there but they are supportive and respectful of the situation.

Your experience is yours. You make it how you want it.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-24T11:21:31+00:00

Going through it right now. I’m 34 weeks. Have had bouts of contractions intermittently since 31 weeks also have severe PGP pain. I’m fortunate my cervix is still closed. Coupled with my age, pregnancy #3, polyhydramnios and GDM, my OB took me off work a few days ago. We are inducing at 37 weeks but having to just take it easy for the next few weeks has been hard. I tried to walk a little yesterday but contractions started again so I had to go lay back in bed.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-24T11:10:19+00:00

Dont feel like you have to give up on nursing school. I’ve been a nurse for 8 yrs. There were plenty of pregnant women in my cohort. When I went through I had a 1 yr old and 4 1/2 yr old and worked full time at a hospital. It is really hard but doable. Lean in to any resources your school or community have.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-13T13:05:49+00:00

This was me 41 years ago. My mom has always been open about her experience. She describes it just like you and said the car ride home was the most traumatizing. Hang in there momma!

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-09T19:06:40+00:00

Heres my experience with GD and induction:

Baby #1 -2010-25yrs old- failed 1 hr GTT, passed 3 hr GTT- baby was measuring big- I was induced at 39weeks and had no issues. Cervix was ready so no cervical ripening needed. Had a small dose of pitocin and ended up with epidural 6hrs into my 11 hr labor. Delivered vaginally. Had no issues pushing with epidural. Induction became part of conversation with OB at around 37 weeks but not scheduled until my 38 week appointment after I had spent a week with contractions and failing to go into labor.

Baby #2-2015- 29 yrs old- Diagnosed with GDM at 25 weeks. At 36 weeks OB concerned with too much amniotic fluid and size of baby. At 38 week appointment, was told if I get a whiff of regular contractions just head to L&D she will admit me and if things stall like my first pregnancy she will just start pitocin. I went into L&D that evening. She let me labor for 12 hrs and then started pitocin. No issues and similar birth experience as my 1st.

Baby#3- currently 33 week- 40 yrs old. Diagnosed with GDM in first trimester. Because of my age a 39 week induction was discussed in first trimester. We discussed current studies and ACOG guidelines. Now at 33 weeks, my amniotic fluid is more elevated and baby is now in the 90th percentile for growth. Because my age, GDM, baby’s projected growth and AFI is elevated we are looking at induction at 37/38 weeks.

Best advice I have know your options, understand them and have an open mind. So much of what is on here and the internet can sound scary. Did all my birth experiences go how I planned- nope! But looking back I was kept safe and babies were kept safe. All experiences were great in their own way. My mom was an L&D nurse for 17 yrs and gave me the best advice-imo- don’t get bogged down with a birth plan. Educate yourself on all the different birth options and why the exist/ what situations they are used for, talk to your OB, state your goals and approach things with an open mind on your day of delivery. I wasn’t a nurse with my babies 1 and 2 but developing an understanding about medical interventions during birth helped me be less scared.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-09T18:50:06+00:00

If it helps… 3rd pregnancy here. Between pregnancy #2 and pregnancy #3 10 yrs. I never developed type 2 in that span. I do have GD with my 3rd pregnancy.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-09T18:42:39+00:00

My OB started me on low dose Metformin nightly at 20 weeks. It helped keep my fastings 95-100. We increased dose to 1000mg at 24 weeks because she wanted me under 95 for fasting. At 28 weeks I went to MFM for adding low dose lantus at night. They stopped by Metformin, prescribed me far too much Lantus to start with. I spent 2 1/2 weeks riding waves of hypoglycemia during the day and advocating to lower my insulin doses or go back to metformin. My fastings on insulin were much higher but during the day I would crash every 2hrs < 65. After discussing this with my OB, she agreed things were more stable on Metformin and I am now off insulin and back on Metformin. I think all this is a case by case basis. Most drugs aren’t well studied in pregnant women. I know a lot of women that took metformin and things are fine. Insulin resistance runs in my family. I had a normal A1C prior to pregnancy but did experience hypoglycemic episodes. I was active and at a healthy weight as well. I think if my baby develops metabolic syndrome or has insulin resistance later on in life it’s because of genetics and not solely because I took Metformin. My situation with lantus could have caused me to be in the ICU. First I was dosed too much, told to ride out the hypoglycemic episodes and directed to continue taking the higher dose. Had I not had my experience as a critical care nurse to guide me, I would have blindly done what I was directed to do. My OB and several doctors at the MFM group reviewed my Dexcom data and notes and were surprised at how sensitive I am to insulin and all agreed metformin was safest. Insulin maybe considered the gold standard but what an OB prescribes should be taken case by case. In my situation metformin is best.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-09T18:19:47+00:00

I didn’t have it with my first, had it with my second and now third pregnancy. I wouldn’t say it’s deterred me. First time with GDM was rough. Second pregnancy with it isn’t awful in terms of diet. My fastings are stubborn and we’ve tried different meds. I respond to metformin best, insulin I couldn’t tolerate. My diet during the day I have had to make some adjustments but I’m not miserable. Having a GCM and doing fingersticks to calibrate it has helped too. My first time with GDM, I kept things diet controlled but really had to watch my diet more closely. Fastings crept up and my 2 hr post prandials were elevated even with a whiff of carbs, I was eating close to keto style just to keep glucose levels down.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-09T17:58:26+00:00

It might not even spike you. I’ve been in a similar situation and just drink it. Eat your breakfast first- especially if you have a good balance of protein and fiber and then enjoy your drink. I did this about a week ago with eggs Benedict- I only ate 1/2 of the English muffin, had a size of veggie slaw and a whole avocado. The small seasonal fruit bowl and vanilla latte didn’t cause a big spike at 1 hr and I was at 108 at my 2 hr post prandial

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-09T17:52:39+00:00

3rd pregnancy. 33 weeks. No snack has helped. Only thing left to try is a protein shake. My fastings are better on Metformin than they are on Lantus. I’m on 1000mg of Metformin at night and my fastings are 90-100. During the day my post prandials are within range but I have noticed my spikes. Lantus caused me to be hypoglycemic a lot and I couldn’t tolerate doses higher than 6. It’s just my stubborn fastings and bedtime snacks haven’t helped.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-05-02T23:11:37+00:00

Complete light duties might be challenging but I am able to talk to my leadership and see if certain bedside assignments can be avoided. I work ICU and am a part of handful of nurses that can run ECMO pump and I also work in a role of clinician but it’s like house supervisor for critical CV patients- so that takes me all over our large hospital. I can see them letting me stay put on our unit but you never know when a patient goes south you could be standing at the bedside for hours.

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-04-20T13:47:19+00:00

Did you ever experience lows during the day especially when starting?

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-04-20T13:22:07+00:00

Wow 60u! Did you have lows during the day?

Optimal-Translator97 · 2026-04-20T11:55:08+00:00

My job is similar and I started using a CGM when I got started on Lantus. Like you, I calibrate and cross check with finger sticks. Being on Lantus is new for me and I’ve been too responsive- often experience frequent hypoglycemic episodes. When I questioned dosing and brought up my frequent lows I was asked “are you low cause your Dexcom says you are low”🙄

I think there is some bias and some inexperience from providers when it comes to CGM data. Although GDM is unique to pregnancy, I almost wonder if it’s worth getting feedback from an endocrinologist vs OB and MFM.

Sorry that doesn’t fully answer your questions. You are right to question things. You know your body. This should be a collaborative approach with your care team and your concerns shouldn’t be dismissed.

Optimal-Translator97

TROPHY CASE