Mastitis/Antibiotics/thrush

[Emily907]

Hi,
I've seen some posts on this previously but it seems quite conflicting. EBF 2 week old DD and woke up with a tender right boob and red streaks across it. Feel ok in myself. GP prescribed antibiotics on the basis that it will be really rough if it progresses to full blown mastitis so let's catch it early. It doesn't currently hurt to feed, massage isn't doing anything as there isn't a lump per se. I don't want full blown mastitis but I'm really anxious about baby and me getting thrush after the course of antibiotics as I know how hard it can be to shift it. Would you take the course of antibiotics just to be on the safe side? Feeling very conflicted and teary!

Take them. I had at least 10 lots and never got thrush.

Sounds like you would feel more comfortable waiting a little bit rather than taking antibiotics in advance. Antibiotics really do wipe out all the good bacteria in the body and can cause thrush.

Have a read of this and call a breastfeeding counsellor to chat thru your concerns and practical things to help.

www.laleche.org.uk/mastitis/

If you get the antibiotics you can have them to hand to take if you do feel like you need them.

Thanks both, my concern with waiting is just that with a toddler to look after I don't think I can risk being bed bound. It's become a bit more painful and has a lot of red streaks which the LLL page suggests needs something a bit stronger. I'll take them and hope for the best on the thrush front.
Thanks for your replies x

Take a probiotic. There's one specifically for antibiotic use.

That's really helpful thank you!

I've used this one twice.