Please Help Me...

[determination]

I got Mastitis yesterday for the 6th time, 4 times with dd1 and 2nd time with dd2.. and the pain has died down a bit but it is still blushing.. the problem is i have a MASSIVE blockage on the upper outer quadrant that i cannot shift.

I have tried;

• Hot/cold compresses
  
• massaging down to the nipple
  
• hot shower
  
• hot bath
  
• feeding on all fours
  
• feeding with chin facing the blockage
  
• electric pump on full power (with nipple facing floor)
  
• feeding feeding feeding
  
• and the Silver breast pad
  
  And it will not shift. PLEASE HELP what else can i do?

[hunkermunker]

Oh, you poor thing - I know how vile it is and I sympathise massively

Are you taking ibuprofen? Antibiotics?

Have a look here

[1dilemma]

Have you had a look on Kellymom.com? Might be worth a try.

[yummybunnymummy]

only today, someone told me that quark (a bit like fromage frais) really helps, and that you keep applying it for up to 4 days. Sounds a bit strange but they swore by it and people from B/F groups agreed. Anyone else ever heard about that?

[Piffle]

ow so sorry
I got recurrent mastitis with ds1 and it was awfully debilitating. REally well done for persevering as it is grim.

Are your blockages always the same area?
Worth varying feeding position to help drain more roundly, also make sur your bras are perfect fitting, this was my downfall.

It does sound like you're doing everything though...

[determination]

hunker...>

your link doesnt do anything. I haven't taken Ibuprofen but will get some tomoro,, just had some paracetamol to get rid of the fever. Although was prescribed 1 weeks antibiotics but haven't taken any yet. Purely because with dd1 exactly 1 week after my antibiotics ran out i got Mastitis again (4 times) until i was prescribed 2 weeks worth. Dr refused to prescribe 2 weeks worth this time and im scared i will get it again when i finish the 1 weeks worth.

Dilemma,..>

I will look there now.

[macmama73]

Where I live (Germany) quark is often used to relieve mastitis. Spread it on and cover with a muslin cloth. It is a bit messy though.
The other one they use here is kraut, erm, cabbage. Not so messy but a bit smelly. Hope it clears up soon.

[hunkermunker]

The link was this: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/information/mastitis.php so you could try cutting and pasting and hopefully it'll work.

Ibuprofen is for the inflammation - it should really help.

Really hope you get better very soon.

[determination]

What is quark? will i get this beside the yogurts? should it be applied cold? and will this help clear the MASSIVE blockage? It is about the size of the palm of my hand.

[Manictigger]

Isn't Quark very low fat cream cheese?

[macmama73]

quark is curds (think little miss muffet!).


have a look at this

I think Tescos sell it, should be beside the yogurt.

Don't know if it will clear up the blockage, but it is worth a try.

The other thing they say here is that stress is not good and sometimes a hv will tell the mum to have a few days in bed (if you have someone to give you a hand at home).

[TooTicky]

Wear a cabbage leaf inside your bra, it is the most breast-soothing thing I know.

[macmama73]

ooops, forgot:

Apply quark cold, cover with muslin cloth and reapply when the quark gets warm. I used to jump in the shower to get the quark off, as I said it is a bit messy. Often I was then able to massage a bit of milk out, that relieved the pain a bit.

[MissTea4Me]

No useful advice but really sorry to hear you're suffering, determination you were really helpful to me a few months back on cracked nipples/mastitis I've got a nasty dose too at the moment so might try the quark-- it's a bit like fromage frais and will be lurking somewhere in the dairy section of the supermarket. Anyway hope yours clears up .

[hunkermunker]

How are you today, Determination?

[3andnomore]

YOu poor thing...
Quark is, over here, indeed usually found in the cheese section (although I think, personally, it's the same as fromage fraise...well, tastes the same anyway)!

Have you tried feeding in teh Rugby hold on that side? That sometimes can empty ducts that might otherwise aren't emptied.

Haven't got anything else to add, really...hope you are o.k. though!

[determination]

I still have a blockage not as large though still very painful when my breast isn't empty. Went to the chemist this morning to get Ibuprofen and the Pharmacist said according to the BFN - British National Formula, Ibuprofen is not safe for breastfeeding and he suggested a homeopathic formula instead. Bella Donna is for inflamation and is recommeded for Mastitis so i will get that tomorow as the chemist i went to did not have it.

Been feeding as much as possible, still massaging, feeding on all fours, expressing and still wearing the silver breast pad - it def is easing. The redness is calming down too. Thinking maybe it is still just swelling and the bruised feeling.

It is no fun is it Miss tea? Hope u too recover soon..

One thing is for sure here.. I think i now have the experience to become an expert on Mastitis!!

[badelaide]

determination, you are a hero and you have earned your name.

[hunkermunker]

Determination, your pharmacist is wrong! Totally wrong!

Ibuprofen is what you should have - can you ring the BFN (Breastfeeding Network) - they have a drugline - actually, hang on, am sure they have a link to NSAID info.

[hunkermunker]

Products containing ibuprofen are also safe for a breastfeeding mother to take. Transfer of
non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is generally small. Branded ibuprofen products include Brufen ® and Advil ® and most pharmacies stock own-brand generic products.
Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken together (to their maximum daily dose of 8
paracetamol + 3 ibuprofen 400mg) for the relief of severe pain - generally they are alternated
Ibuprofen is contra-indicated in people with a history of peptic ulcer (as it can cause gastric
bleeding) or who have asthma ( it can cause bronchospasm in people who are sensitive).

That's from here

Your pharmacist needs to know that he's not given you the best care - can you take this info in to him as he might put another woman off bfing totally by not giving her access to the drugs she needs.

[magnolia1]

Agree, the pharmasist is very wrong!!!

I am on Ibrufen from the gp no problems at all getting it at the chemist.

[nachomama]

I had mastitis once and it was sheer hell do i really, really feel for you, Determination. My cousin, who is in pediatrics in USA, swears by "round the clock" feeding to clear blockages. Your DP needs to help by rotating your LO as she feeds- not like crazy windmill baby-action or anything, just a gentle cradle and move her round every minute or so a few degrees.

[determination]

Hunker i most certainly will. I will print it off and laminate it for him to refer to!

I think with the pain i experienced, a lot of women would have quit at the thought of possibly experiencing it again. I am just SSOOO stubborn and "determined" that i wont back down for anything... Having the experience on a "regular!" basis too makes me more determined as i know that it will calming down after approx 36 hours - it just a case of gritting my teeth and bearing the pain!

[foxcub]

Determination - sorry I can't give any advice other than what you've already tried (and I swear by Iboprofen for reducing the blush/inflamation) - just wanted to send [big hugs]

[foxcub]

ps Ibuprofen is fine for BF Mum's - My GP prescribed it when I had mastitis and also advised it for breast thrush too. It really is fine.

[hunkermunker]

You're brilliant, Determination - VERY apt name!

Can you send anyone to a chemist now to get you some Ibuprofen? Petrol station? Or go yourself, obv