Save our Boobs!

[nicnac73]

S.O.B

SAVE OUR BOOBS

I recently (in August) had a breast abscess (still recovering). It was the most horrendous experience. I only recently discovered MN and discovered that I am not alone in experiencing bungling incompetence, with few exceptions, from the NHS. Over a period of 2 weeks my initially untreated Mastitis progressed into an abscess which created a dirty great big hole in my boob! 3 operations later and its still not healed. Since, joining MN I have been saddened to hear that mine is not an isolated case. I won't bore you with the very gory details but if you are interested or have had an abscess and want some support here'sthe link

I would like to campaign to raise awareness about Breast abscesses amongst bf mums and HCPs.

-PROMPT ACTION IS ESSENTIAL. A breast Abscess is an NHS emergency and time is critical. Your breast tissue is being destroyed by pus.
-DON"T GET FOBBED OFF. Insist on an ultrasound and biopsy of the infection if you suspect an abscess or have had prolonged Mastitis. Emergency ultrasound should be avail. for all.
-Your options for feeding afterwards may vary. All should seek professional advice specific to their own case as abscesses can be the size of a pea or take over practically the whole breast so breast feeding may or may not be possible or advisable but there are many success stories. BLANKET ADVICE IS DANGEROUS but more support should be available for abscess sufferers as this is a confusing time.
-Insist on being put on a maternity ward for your recovery. NHS should not seperate mothers who are breast feeding from their babies as they did with me.
-DON"T PANIC. Breast abscesses are rare but should not be ignored.

Please help to save our boobs and our chances of successful breast feeding.

Today is my first on Mumset. I don't know how mummies find time with little ones to post so much! I have been very poorly with breast abscess and conflicting and basically incompetent treatment by my GP surgery. I feel so strongly about this, and breastfeeding, and wondered if anyone wants to join me in resurrecting this campaign? I feel that with better antenatal and postnatal breastfeeding support, and better training for healthcare professionals on the matter of breastfeeding, I would not have developed infectious mastitis let alone a nasty lump that aparently requires cutting out (see my post made earlier today). Sadly, unless things change, I do not think I will be the last woman to suffer this. And what can be more important in life than feeding your baby (excuse the militant tone but it is only since entering motherhood that I have had my eyes opened very wide).

dove I'm sorry to hear you've had such a bad time. GPs have (unless they chose to get more) virtually no breastfeeding training.

There are many ways in which you can personally make a difference such as becoming a peer supporter, and then maybe a breastfeeding counsellor yourself. Otherwise if you're looking at campaigning I would recommend looking for organisations who are campaigning for this sort of thing and work with them rather than being a lone voice.

You could do so much good with your obvious passion and enthusiasm. Good on you :)

...yum yum!

Do you mean NCT or La Leche League? Or do you know if there are other, more specific campaining groups or organisations? I'll have another google but not easy to find.

Once my dark days are behind me I would very much like to be a peer supporter (don't know if I would be good enough to be a counsellor).

Thanks for the encouragement :)