Hi all in short I was hospitalised twice for abscesses when I had my first child. Extreme mastitis and nothing stopped it. The consultant treating me said I had a severe case of blocked milk ducts and almost removed them. Fast forward several years and after recovering from some mild PND I’ve been lucky enough to give birth again at the weekend to twin boy girl!
However all 3 of us are poorly. Twins in special care and not being fed yet only glucose mix. They hope to introduce some milk to them in days to come when they are ready via a nasal tube. I’ve lost a lot of blood and various other serious complications meaning I’ll be in hospital for a while recovering too.
Just wanted to give some background as I know this is a subject where people start telling you why you should breastfed. I know the benefits I wish it would be easy for me as I feel so guilty being unable to. I’m just too unwell to cope.
The hospital lactation consultant has been useless. She just tells me I should try and express when my milk comes in so the babies can have it. That’s her sole focus. I’ve already told the hospital happy with donor milk if it’s better for them. I may need a major operation tomorrow to further my recovery.
Anyway whatever the case I know my milk will come in and I’m scared of how sick this will make me again. What should I do to prepare for this? I asked for a pill to suppress the milk but the side efffcts are such they can’t give it to me with my complications of birth they said. How do I stopped the mastitis when the milk comes in? If my breasts become engorged and lumpy what should I do? Some people (my mum, friend and a midwife) have said massage them to release pressure and milk ducts but one experienced Mum on the ward when we were both waiting for Head scans said do not stimulate them at all as Just will encourage milk supply. No one seems able to be truly in the know in the hospital so I’m turning to here in the hope someone can help me !
Thank you all!