I an feeling really upset this morning. My baby is 15 days old. We had a normal labour & delivery and got Breastfeeding started right away. We got home and by the end of week 1 things were going well. On Sunday I had very sharp stabbing pain in my abdomen after urinating and when bending over.
I called NHS 24 and got an appointment at out of hours for 12.15am. They were running late so we were seen at 2.30am. Doctor diagnosed a bladder infection, prescribed antibiotics and we went home. The pain just got worse and I lay on the soda shivering and sobbing while my baby screamed with hunger. I told my DH at this point to go to TESCO and buy formula as I just couldn't feed her. He suggested we phone the midwife unit where I had given birth for advice.
They asked to come in. On arrival the midwife noted that my right breast was hard and red. I started expressing from both breasts. During the morning a doctor came to see me and examined my bladder. He suggested keep taking the antibiotics and I should see an improvement. Before lunch I was shivering again. After lunch I was too hot and sweating. My temperature was monitored and it kept rising. I kept expressing regularly but the volume from both breasts was reducing each time. In the late afternoon I was shivering again.
The doctor returned and said I had to be transferred to the regional teaching hospital as I needed 24hr medical care. I was transferred in an ambulance while my DH brought the baby through in the car.
Investigations then began as to the source of the infection. I was started on IV antibiotics for bladder, blood and breast infections. I had an ultrasound on my uterus to rule out retained products. I then had an allergic reaction to one of the antibiotics.
The source was identified as the breast and I was put onto oral antibiotics. I was then able to be transferred back to my local midwife unit.
I was able to keep bf going on my left breast throughout but baby needed formula top up as she had lost weight and her blood results showed very low levels of potassium and sodium.
So I am in the midwife unit crying. Baby is in pain with the runs caused by my antibiotics. She is vomiting up the formula. We're both now likely to get thrush. My right nipple is so damaged I get scared looking at it. I just feel emotionally done. I can't cope any more. It's been so awful.