i think i have mastitis - advice please

[louise0501]

Hi there. Im currently breastfeeding my 4 month old and lately my nipples have cracked a bit and are a bit crusty and also its red around my nipples. Yesterday one of my breasts started to feel tender and sore and today ive come down not feeling to well. My breast is quite hard and tender to touch. Im very worried as it takes weeks to get a doc appointment and im scared im gonna get really ill. Any advice for this? Is it mastitis? Im terrified its something more serious. Anything i can do to relieve symptoms? Im really scared.

Please reply
love louise