Recurrent mastitis - HELP!

[marzipananimal]

I have just come down with my 3rd bout of mastitis. Had it when ds was 1 week old, 4 weeks old and now at nearly 9 weeks old. Same breast each time. I also think i nearly got it just over a week ago in the other breast but it cleared up.

I had flucloxacillin both times and got better quickly. DH is out at the mo getting some erythromycin (sp?).

I've read all the kellymom info about it and know how to deal with it but I REALLY don't want to keep getting it :(

I mentioned it to my GP at my postnatal check (after having had it twice) but she just said, yeah some people are prone to it.

I'm not very prone to blocked ducts. Both times before i didn't have a blocked duct with the mastitis though this time I think I do.

Do I just have to resign myself to getting it every few weeks until I stop bf?

(by the way, out of hours GP has prescribed different antibiotics this time as he said some infection might have remained after previous treatment. Does this sound plausible given the length of time between bouts when I've been symptom free?)

You have my sympathy, I too am prone to it for some reason particularly in one breast.

I have not heard of mastitis without a plugged duct before and think it must be fairly unusual. Why do you think you did not have plugged ducts before?

I have been breastfeeding for 8 months now and was bothered with mastitis and blocked ducts every few weeks until I got to 6 months. Since then I have only had one very minor incident.

That probably sounds very depressing to be hear but to be honest I think the following have worked for me:

1. Feeding in the rugby ball position at least once a day on the dodgy boob ( I do it for the first feed of the day) as this seems to drain it much more effectively - i only did this after 6 months
2. Being ultra vigilent and feeding off the breast or pumping at the first sign of soreness.

It was only at about 6 months that my supply settled down a bit as well which is pretty late.

It does sound possible to me that the previous antibiotics did not get rid of it completely so you could be lucky and it could go for good after this course.

It is a PITA but don't despair, chances are even if you are especially prone to it you will find ways to prevent it and stop it quickly when it does get you. Hope you feel better soon.

thanks. I don't think i had blocked ducts before cos there was no lump that i could feel anywhere, justa general painful red patch. midwife who saw me first time said it was prob caused by a bacterial infection gettin in through a little crack in the nipple.
I haven't tried the rugby ball hold, sounds like a good idea.
Glad you've stopped getting it now. 6 months

Did your breast have a hard bit before, like a wedge? If so, that could be the blockage. If not, hopefully it was a bacterial infection and this course of ABs will clear it.

not the first two times but this time the top half of my breast is/was hard and lumpy.
Have decided not to take the antibiotics for the mo as this bout is much milder than the last two and i'm feeling much better this morning :). Will see how the day goes and take them if i get worse