Recurrent mastitis

[MrsG30]

Hi all,

I have a 5 month old DS who I am exclusively pumping for (he won’t latch, seen LC, seen maxillofacial Dr, had endless support, attend bfing group each week, home visits, different positions, used SNS etc etc. The kid just won’t latch)

I’ve had mastitis 4 times so far, with recurrent blocked ducts. I have 2 hospital grade breast pumps, and always ensure I am as empty as possible when I pump. I have the right size breast shields (I use pumpin pals). I also take sunflower lecithin which has helped, but I still get clogs and mastitis.

I also had mastitis with my first which was so bad in both breasts it killed my supply, we ended up being admitted for weight loss with DS1, and sepsis for me.

I have an oversupply which doesn’t help at all.

Has anyone else had recurrent mastitis and were you able to resolve it? Is there anything to take/do to help?

I’ve just had another clogged duct which I’ve managed to shift, but I can’t stand this much longer. I really don’t want to stop breastfeeding as I’m still working at getting baby onto the boob, but I can’t hack it much longer!

Hi, I feel your pain. This happened to me with my 4th baby. Felt like I was constantly coming down with mastitis sometimes it would shift itself other times I would need antibiotics. As soon as it cleared,a week later od have mastitis again...
The best advice I got and only thing that seemed to work was only feed/pump from one side for a period of 3-4 hours after that feed/pump from opposite breast for the next 3-4 hours....and so on...
Haven't had mastitis since...
If you feel 4 hours was too long and you are getting too full express only the tiniest amount to relieve the uncomfortable feeling ..
Takes a few days to get into the flow but works wonders...
Hope this helps...