Help - Mastitis problems

[angnz]

Hi all. My DD is 17 days old and I have had cracked bleeding nipples from almost the start. I discovered nipple shields which have been a life saver (hooray for super silicone nipples)and the nipples are healing slowly and I do not need shield on L now. I woke up early hours of Monday morn with shivering and high temp. Trip to Dr ended with diagnosis of mastitis in R breast(that I already suspected) and antibiotics. Dr said to take them until I started to feel better and luckily by yesterday I was feeling much better. I was relieved as AB's had seemed to cause much upset to DD. Tonight however R breast seems to be going the same way. I have tried hot bath and massage and have fed her twice on that side for about 30-40 mins but no relief. I really don't know whether to take AB's again as I don't want to upset DD. I have seen a breast feeding counciler and she seems to think I have the attachment fairly right. I really want to keep breast feeding but so far there has been little enjoyment on my part and I don't know how much longer I can cope with it. Any advice would be welcomed. Thanks

Hi

I haven't had mastitis, as luckily I always seemed to catch it just in time and massage/feeding more from that side and lots of ibuprofen seemed to help. I did take antibiotics though and also found that it unsettled DD, and seemed to give her stomach ache (I guess it affected her digestion).

Just wanted to say that maybe it is better to take more antibiotics than give up on the breastfeeding, as long term I am sure the benefits of breastfeeding will outweigh the short-term upset to your DD of the antibiotics.

Also, it takes a while for breastfeeding to settle down. I only really started to enjoy it after a few months, when dd and I both got better at it. What ever you decide, you have done well to persevere with cracked nipples etc! I hope your mastitis clears up!

Check for fit of your bf bras & clothes in case anything is causing pressure on your breasts.

Feed with chin pointing at lump, use a wide-toothed comb and comb boob toward nipple - I had mastitis twice in the early days with DS2 (he's 7 weeks now) and I think it was because I was producing oodles of milk and he just wasn't taking it all as his tummy was too small.

Express a little bit off while massaging lumpiness (easier than when feeding IME) - but don't be tempted to express too much as you'll up your production and end up in the same position again.

Good luck with it - keep posting.

Haven' had mastitis angnz (although had a very painful time with thrush) but just wanted to add a word of encouragement and support and to reassure you that it will get better!!
It is very very early days.
In driving terms,you are like someone who has just tried out second gear.

Hang in there!!

Thanks for the advice. I am going to persevere and have restarted the AB's and it is getting better already. I think that you are right hunkermunker and I am just producing more milk then she can swallow at this time. Hopefully things will get easier soon but it is great to have the support of others who know what it is like.