Is there a way to prevent blocked ducts/mastitis

[NoTeaForMe]

Just that really...I got mastitis last time, when my baby was just 2 weeks old-it made an already difficult breast feeding experience a real struggle and it meant I introduced formula a lot quicker than I wanted to-partly due to bad advice from the dr.

Anyway I wondered if there was a way to reduce the chances of getting it? Or how to notice a blocked duct and to then be able to stop it get infected. My baby was born on Tuesday and do far breast feeding does seem to be going a bit better.

Thanks.

Just keep on top of it, any redness or soreness, apply heat and massage behind the lump. I had repeated bouts of mastitis last time but so far this time i have avoided it. Good luck.

Congratulations on your little one

I had mastitis with ds2, not with ds1. Also before ds3 was born...(weird)

I find what helps is, make sure you are finishing every feed - I mean letting the baby suckle till they have finished every last drop - before switching sides, or stopping the feed.

If you get any soreness, use the boob that hurts more than the other one but keep using both. Make sure the latch is really good.

Keep massaging the sore boob towards the nipple, using hot wet flannels as well as much as you can stand. Express a bit if you can while doing this - it helps you see which little duct may be blocked and once you can make a bit of milk come out of that place, you're doing well.

Also, at the first indication of any soreness, take off your bra and keep it off till all is well again, never wear one at night, and actually I have found a breastfeeding vest far better this time - not a bra at all.

Good luck xx

Just keep on top of it, any redness or soreness, apply heat and massage behind the lump. I had repeated bouts of mastitis last time but so far this time i have avoided it. Good luck.

Thank you, at the moment feeds are only lasting 4-5 mins and she's not interested in more than that!

What do you do about breast pads with no bra though? I'm not quite at the 'leaking-everywhere' stage but nearly, then I can't be bra-less? I bought some of the lily-pad breast pads but it says they're not suitable until the milk supply has settled.

My breasts are both sore at the moment but they're at that rock-solid but as the milk is just in, that's just normal now isn't it?!

The rock solid feeling is horrible, keep feeding and it should settle. I expressed a bit off so DD could latch properly. If you are at home and have no visitors then a vest top with a muslin stuffed in each side is comfortable, i slept like this as well. I found my supply settled much quicker this time. Also try to rest as much as possible (i know!) but i think mastitis is more likely when run down, take a mutivitamin as well.

If any redness does appear, do all the usual massaging stuff but also pop a couple of neurofen. It's safe, it'll help with the pain, and it might help nip the inflammation in the bud.