Mastitis-Do I need AB's?

[Crapbags]

About 2 months ago I had mastitis in my right boob and it was bloody awful, got anti biotics and it cleared pretty quickly.

I now have a familiar pain but in my left boob. It's not nearly as bad as before but I'm worried it's the start of mastitis. It feels bruised on the inside quite tender to touch but not hot. I feel fairly groggy but not flu like.

Will I definitely need anti biotics? Is there any preventative measures I can take instead?

Also whilst on the subjects DS 11.5 months is a bit of a 'biter' could this be contributing to the problem? Does anyone know of any techniques to prevent a baby biting? He seems to clamp onto my nipple with his teeth quite gently most of the time but then if he pulls away forgets to release he's teeth iykwim?

I really don't want to give up bfeeding just yet but not sure how much longer I can carry on of this keeps happening

Thank you of you've managed to read this far!

Should read *If you've

Yes

Read kellymom and breastfeeding network they both have lots of self help mastitis information. It can be cleared without antibiotics but I have always take them along with doing the self help.

Lots of massaging in a hot shower or bath, keep feeding and ibuprofen. I was told with the biting to unlatch and put down. Only briefly just enough for biting=milk stops. I've not had that problem yet it's just what someone was telling me at a breastfeeding group.

Hope you feel better soon.

Thank you. I've been to the out of hours docs today who confirmed its mastitis so now on anti-biotics hoping I've caught it early enough that it won't be as bad as last time.

Just need to tackle the biting now will try the unlatch technique-thanks again!

Poor you, mastitis is awful.

If the biting breaks the skin that can be an entry point for bacteria which can lead to mastitis.

DS went though a biting phase at around the same age. Usually if he was teething or at the end of a feed he would bite or do the pull off and scrape.

Kellymom has some useful info.

Thank you superworm you're right it really is grim isn't it?

The info on the kellymom website is great hopefully I can get through this without having to give up feeding.

Thanks again, it's at times like these I realise how much I bloody love mumsnet