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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

mastitis

12 replies

2under2 · 19/01/2004 13:56

Any ideas on when to throw the towel in with mastitis and go to the GP for antibiotics? Woke up yesterday morning with a sore breast and feeling rubbish - got worse during the day and ended up with a 40 degree fever last night. I feel fine again today (maybe it was a virus and unrelated to my boob problem?) but my breast looks worse - one side is now an angry purple colour (yesterday I just had a small red patch) but it only hurts when prodded. Also, yesterday let-down on that side really hurt and today it's fine. I'm doing all the recommended stuff - hot compresses, feeding mainly from the affected side etc.

OP posts:

zebra · 19/01/2004 13:59

I guess the rule with "minor infections" is to give them 5-7 days to pass naturally, as long as you are not feeling too rough with it. When I had mastitus it took only 2 days to definitely improve by itself, though, so my bout was probably relatively mild.

Epigirl · 19/01/2004 16:07

I'm a wimp and went when I had the fever but agree with zebra in theory. I found the red patch on my skin stays for longer than the fever.

Best wishes, I think it's just awful, worst I've felt.

lazyeye · 19/01/2004 16:10

I've had mastitis 3 times with feeding my 2 boys - both times I felt so rought (mainly with fever) that I had to go to docs. The antibs kick in so fast, I felt better in 24 hours. I seem to get it if I just miss one feed! I'm dreading this next one - it is putting me off bfeeding.....sorry not much help to you

GeorginaA · 19/01/2004 16:25

The first time I had mastitis I was so ill with pain and fever I was pitifully grateful for any drugs I could get. The second time around as soon as I had the first signs I went straight away for the antibiotics because I just couldn't face feeling that ill again!

Probably not the best approach, but I think I would still do the same with no. 2. Full blown mastitis is vile.

Greengage · 19/01/2004 16:59

I had it over Christmas - I was feverish, had absolutely no energy (just wanted to curl up in bed) and it was very painful feeding. DD was 14 months and had 2 feeds a day, but I say get the drugs and get better quickly. I felt so awful I'm not surprised that many give up feeding in the early days if they get mastitis.

zebra · 19/01/2004 17:02

If I had mastitus as bad as GreenG & Georgina describe, I'd probably reach for antiBs, too! But it can be mild, and often when it's mild you can clear it without the antiBs. I had some pain, slight fever and 1/2 a red breast. Did not half to crawl off to bed at all, thankfully. How are you feeling now, 2under2?

Original poster

2under2 · 19/01/2004 19:20

thanks for the replies - feeling fine (particularly now that the big ones are in bed and dh will hopefully hand me a glass of wine soon) but still got a very sore looking breast. I'll see how it goes - not keen on antibiotics unless strictly necessary, really.

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bobthebaby · 20/01/2004 04:07

I took the antibiotics (but I did feel really vile and couldn't even change a nappy I was so sore) and ended up gluten and lactose intolerant for a couple of months. The runs were deffo worse than the mastitis as they just ran and ran (pun intended) and I ended up having a gastroscopy. If you do take the antibiotics then consider taking probiotics or at least eating live yoghurt or one of those little probiotic drink things with each tablet.

florenceuk · 20/01/2004 12:29

Had mastitis maybe 4 times - the last was the worst, running hot and cold, felt like rubbish, boob was incredibly swollen, red and sore. This despite having had DS practically attached permanently for the first 24 hrs (we were on a flight to NZ). First lot of antibiotics didn't work, had to try another kind. I always go for drugs right away at the first sign of discomfort now!

bunnyrabbit · 20/01/2004 16:21

I had it in my right side only. Didn't know much about mastitus or what the signs were so got pretty bad before I called the quack. 104 degrees and shaking and shivering so much I think DS probably got milk shake!! Righty turned into a porn movie boob.

First lot of antibiotics didn't work, so ate nearly nothing for 4 days till the next lot kicked in and my appetite finally came back.

Tip I was given was to make sure the breast is empty and massage it lots.... if your baby doesn't empty it then express. Hopefully if you've caught it early enough you won't need any drugs.

ninjinglebells · 20/01/2004 21:19

I'm with you 2under2 - last night paracetemol, bath and bed at 8, and today although I feel better my breast looks as if I've been thumped! It's the fourth time I've had it and it's followed the same pattern every time.

I would guess if the fever's gone you've got over the worst - let's hope

Original poster

2under2 · 21/01/2004 13:50

it's cleared up all on it's own (phew!). Breast looks almost normal now and I'd feel ok if I wasn't so bloody tired (ds has been terribly unsettled at nights ) Thanks everyone!

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