mastitis

[Katet]

 I think I have mastitis... any advice  do I go to the Dr... I have some erythromyocin I can take, but My GP doesn't work today & I would have to see one of the others & I kind of don't want to

I think it is due to Liam having a cold & me holding my breast (he only feeds one side) to stop the teeth (he has 6) grazing.

I woke up feeling like I wanted to throw up (dh asked if I was preg LOL) & my boob is sore with a red patch rediating from the nipple to where I have been holding.

[deenz]

I happen to have an article on mastitis at hand, and it says that if symptoms have not improved within 12hrs, to see your GP for antibiotics.

Things to try:
drain the breast
apply heat (shower/warm face-cloth/wheat pack) to breast before a feed
massage breast towards nipple
after feeding apply cool packs or cabbage leaves for no longer than 20min
rest!
Vitamin C - day one 3000mg, day two 2000mg, day 3,4 &5 1000mg
take panadol

Hope you're feeling better soon!

[Samuel's mum]

kellymom.com has got good stuff on mastitis vs a plugged duct.
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html
They also say go to doctor within 12 hours if symptoms haven't improved. Is that an antibiotic you have? If you've had mastitis before and you feel confident you're recognising it I guess it might be OK but it's probably best to check. You certainly wouldn't want to have to take 2 different kinds or take one unnecessarily.
Hope you feel better soon.

[daisymelan]

I've never had a plugged duct, but I've had mastitis twice now and it's exactly as you described.  I know that the sooner you get in, the better it is.  After taking antibiotics the first time I had it, I couldn't feel any pain after only 4 or 5 hours.  I would suggest going to the hospital today if you can't see your dr... or a clinic if one is available.  But keep nursing off it, even though it hurts.  It will not pass to your lo. 

I'm sorry you hurt, I understand your pain. 

{{hugs}}