How do I find a BFC in my area?

[GoodGollyMissMolly]

I am in agony with repeated cases of mastitis, DD is now sucking so strongly that I cry through most feeds. GP says no to anti b's to help the mastitis. The HV at the weigh in clinic just says to put her on formula. So now I dont want to ring my usual HV cos she will prob say the same thing. My nips are red raw.
To top it all off DD is still feedimg approx 15 to 20 times a day now, some only for 5 or 10 minutes though.

I've come so so close to giving DD a bottle of formula just to give me a break.
I need to speak to someone who knows what they are talking about when it comes to BF.

Have you tried calling any of the help lines? They may be able to help.

Poor you, you seem to be having a really tough time. Well done for persevering!

all the hepline numbers are here

the side of this page has the numbers of all 4 bf charities.

ring each if you have to to speak to someone.

the call will be diverted to a counsellor in your area unless you are on a mobile, for all of them, I think. unless you are ringing from a mobile.

Phone the NCT helpline or get in touch with your local branch

here

or LLL

here

or ABM

here

or go to a Baby Cafe

here

and good luck and I hope things ease soon. I think you are doing the right thing, I always try to take my bfing advice from someone who is trained and its always worked for me.

No Anti-b's for mastitis?
I was given something when I was feeeding DS and got it, can't remember what it was but doc prescribed it to get rid of the problem.
Have you tried calling your maternity ward? They should know of any bfc;'s in your area.

Just looked at your profile and did some googling try this number Vicky Bevan ? NCT
01522751536

If you really want to keep going then stick with it. I had mastitis four times and each time the antibiotics gave me thrush and then the thrush got infected and the antibiotics for that gave me thrush again. It was hard and nurse at gp surgery told me to give up bf but I didn't want to.
I'd try and see another GP for antibiotics, or try talking to another hv.
Try to change positions when you are feeding ie try football hold, or lying down as this can help clear the ducts, and also help nipples.
Has hv checked your latch/postioning is ok too.
I'm not an expert although I have bf three dcs.
If hv/gp aren't helpful kick up a fuss nobody has the right to tell you to give up if you don't want to.

Just looked at your profile, I'm in Lincolnshire too. Whereabouts are you I know there's an NCT branch at Boston if thats anywhere near you.

If you can get to Lincoln there is a breast feeding cafe at the sure start place in town.

There is also a very active NCT branch here as well.

Thanks everyone, I'm in Grimsby so Lincoln and Boston are within a reachable distance. I am at the Gp's again next week so I will ask/beg/plead for some anti b's.

I think in the meantime I will ring one of the charities. Thank you all for the links.

I've had pretty constant mastitis since DD was approx 10 weeks old, she is now 18 weeks old. It's gone from one breast to the other and has occasionaly been in both at the same time.

Thank you all so much.

If you are going back to the doctors, you might want to read up before you go. kellymom is a good site as all the information is research based:

here

If you want the list of antibs that are fine with bfing they can be found here

Print out and wave at the gp till they give in