When my baby boy was born three weeks ago, we struggled with feeding, which almost led to mastitis. Luckily, we were still in hospital then, so were prescribed antibiotics straight away before I developed flu-like symptoms. The antibiotics alleviated the redness/soreness/heat/lumps somewhat. However, they're not gone completely and have become worse again in the last few days (though nothing like what it was in the beginning).
This means that wearing a bra even for half an hour is quite sore and definitely makes the symptoms worse. The nursing bra I was fitted with before the birth is way too small and leaves red marks around my breasts, so on the advice of the midwife, I bought a soft sports bra in the largest available size. However, even wearing this is sore and makes things worse.
As I'm lactating quite a lot, I wear old t-shirts with massive milk stains around the house (apologies if this is TMI!). I tried to attach breast pads to them, but they won't stick (and don't keep in the right place either). What do people do when going out?? So far, I have mostly been in the house, and worn that sports bra when going to the shops. However, I'm not keen on it, given that the threat of mastitis is back - and I'm also looking for a solution for going out for longer than just half an hour.
I have a few commitments this week which I don't want to sit through leaking milk - or having incredibly sore boobs and possibly developing mastitis. Do any of you have any practical tips on how to stop leaking??