2 bouts of mastitis in 6 weeks :o(

[Maddy's Mum]

Oh Ladies, I would appreciate some advice - I am now on my second dose of anti-biotics to clear up another bout of mastitis - and last time the pain and brusing I felt in my boobs lasted for about 3 weeks after I had taken all the tablets, which feels like it is happening again this time 

I have been feeding Josh more frequently to ease the discomfort - but guess what that means - routine out of the window!! So now only am I feeling like poop, but he is now back to waking 3 times in the night for feed 

Any ideas how I can tackle this and get back on track?

Also - Josh has a really strong desire to suckle, but will not take a dummy - I have tried every dummy on the market and he won't even consider it....help!!!

Dee
x

[jbepko]

I understand your pain! I've had three rounds of mastitis this time- and none with my first. Once I identified the "trigger" it helped alot. The first was due to dropped night-time feeding. Second and third were due to wearing a sports bra (now I change as soon as I get home from the gym). Now I pay close attention to missed feedings/pumpings and try to pump if needed. You can also take lecithin supplements to help with a clogged/plugged duct that needs to mastitis. I would slowly work at getting back to the routine, if you move too quickly and miss too many feedings, you'll be where you started. You can also pump if needed. How old is your LO- can he learn to suck his fingers?

[Carter'sMama]

Hugs to you!  Mastitis is definitely not any fun   

If you are concerned about your night routine could you maybe pump instead of letting your lo feed to help ease the discomfort?  That would keep you on track (routine-wise) and help with the mastitis.  By all means, if your lo wakes to eat you can feed him but otherwise ...

Have you tried the whole "warm compress before feeds and cold compresses after feeds" to  deal with the mastitis?  Are you wearing a comfortable bra that isn't too tight?  I had mastitis when DS was 2 weeks old and I beleive the bra I was wearing was partly to blame!  I found that the compresses worked wonders for me as did changing feeding positions with every feed.  That would help to put pressure on different areas of the breast which resulted in more comfort for me and his little chin would work out some of the plugged up ducts.

I hope you feel better soon!  Make sure to drink lots of fluids and eat balanced meals to keep yourself healthy.  I hear frequent naps help too 

HTH