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Original poster

Mastitis ? Never had it before & DD2 is over 9 months

24 replies

Mojomummy · 02/05/2007 09:49

Last night I couldn't get warm, I was shivering with aches & pains. Realised after a couple of hours that left boob hurt to touch, so got DH to bring DD2 in for a feed. He also got me paracetomol & I put a long vest on because my lower back (kidneys?) were aching.

BF did relive everything & I manged to get back to sleep. But this am, left boob feels bruised & hot. Other than keep feeding DD2, what else can I do ?

(I assumed this happened when feeding little babies, not 9mth old)

OP posts:
Astrophe · 02/05/2007 09:55

It does sound like mastitis. It can happen at any time though. I think its more common when feeding tinies as your supply is likely to be up and down a bit, but equally it can strike when weaning/dropping feeds as you have an over supply.

I just had it a few weeks ago, and my son is 14 months old!

Sounds like you are doing all the right things, but if you don't start feeling better very soon (ie, this morning) I would go to the GP. They will give you antibiotics (safe for feeding) and you will feel so much better after a few doses. If you've not managed t clear it with heat, feeding and massage, I think you need the antibiotics.

My sympathies, I know how awful ot feels. Hope you are better soon.

KerryMum · 02/05/2007 09:56

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mankyscotslass · 02/05/2007 09:58

Hi, just sympathy really, I got my first ever dose of mastitis when my youngest was 11 mths. I ended up having to get antibiotics, as feeding frequently and all the tips on postion never really helped. like you i was in shock!
Hope you feel better soon

laundrylover · 02/05/2007 10:03

Mojo,

Yes does sound like mastitis but I've learn't how to clear mine without ABs as then I get into a mastitis/thrush cycle of hell!
Sooo, take ibruprofen instead of paracetemol (ot both togther, this is fine on alternative doses). Ibru is an anti-imflammatory so takes down the swelling. You are right to keep feeding and you can try expressing in betwwen feeds (in the bath is good). Also get a hairbrush with plastic nobbles on the end (does that make sense) and brush the area towards your nipple. Do this in the shower, whilst watching TV etc.

As Astro said, you could go the docs today and get some ABs anyway as you are still on free prescriptions and then if you can't clear it overnight, start them tomorrow.

Good Luck, I can usually clear it in a day with the max dose of Ibru over 24 hours and brushing though haven't had it in a while (baby same age as Astro's), thank goodness.

Astro, I didn't know you'd had it - hope you're feeling better now.

laundrylover · 02/05/2007 10:04

Would second the savoy cabbage too, but try putting it in the fridge first as they soon warm up in your bra.

Original poster
Mojomummy · 02/05/2007 10:19

thanks ladies

I've just been in the shower combing left boob with DD1 Mylittle Pony hair crush as it's the only thing I could find. Left boob has red patches over it & I can feel a ball like lump above the nipple.

I did try to express in the shower, but unlike normally, hardly anything came out. I will get DD 2 to feed in the mo.

Bit difficult to get to the docs today, so will take the painkillers & feed as much as possible.

It's horrible

OP posts:
KerryMum · 02/05/2007 10:21

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bundle · 02/05/2007 10:21

I would start ABs asap (I had mastitis 3 times in 10 weeks when dd1 was born) and feed as often as possible. it can be caused by eg having a bag pressing on your boob or missing a feed. do look after yourself, drink plenty and try to massage the area, preferably when you're relaxed in a nice warm bath. hth

Astrophe · 02/05/2007 10:23

was a few weeks ago LL, and I'm fine now thanks! Did warrant a trip to the after hours clinic though - DH had to drive me once the DCs were asleep so we had to get a babysitter, and then clinic was running an hour late...such a debarcle!

I really should be doing something other than MNing...will catch up on
March hread soon.

bundle · 02/05/2007 10:24

cabbage did nothing for me btw

Original poster
Mojomummy · 02/05/2007 10:24

I've got sweetheart cabbage - wil that work & one of those breast nurses...?

Will ring the docs - don't want another night like last night.

OP posts:
laundrylover · 02/05/2007 10:30

Mojo, the cabbage just cools the breast, savoy is the best but a cold flannel would do the same, not sure what a breast nurse is??

Have you got Ibruprofen to take to get you thorugh the night. Also if you can feel a lump then it sounds like that is the bloccage, especially if you can't express. You will have to work at it to get the lump through your nipple (ouch!). Dose up on pain killers first though.

I use my daughters hairbrush too as I don't own on myself.

KerryMum · 02/05/2007 10:56

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laundrylover · 02/05/2007 10:58

That's interesting about the cabbage Kerry but not a cheery subject to link to! It does start toponk after an hour or tow though if you've got a boiling hot boob.

KerryMum · 02/05/2007 11:00

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laundrylover · 02/05/2007 11:07

No worries Kerry, actually I was just feeling a bit sensitive as just been on the phone to my sis who had to have a medically induced miscarraige in March.

Good info about cabbage but in a strange place eh?

KerryMum · 02/05/2007 11:11

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laundrylover · 02/05/2007 11:25

Oh that's so sad Kerry. Was it your first pregnancy?

My siter's baby had Turners syndrome, which although some babies can live with, it had caused the foetus to fill up with water and the placenta too. She had her at 16 weeks but you know it has only really hit her last night when she had a mini breakdown. My SIL has got pregnant with number 2 in the meantime so I think that has compounded things.

Sorry for hijack Mojo - I'm still thinking about your poorly boob.

KerryMum · 02/05/2007 14:06

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harrisey · 03/05/2007 00:30

Its not just the cooling effect of the cabbage there are also enzymes in it which help the breast to heal - thats why it has to be savoy rather than white cabbage!!

I had my first and only bout of nastitis when dd1 was 10 months old - she had a bad cold whichthe doc said had got into my nipple. It was horrid for a couple of days - more the flu like feeling than the breast pain.

Keep on feeding was the best advice I got!
Hope u feel better soon,

Original poster
Mojomummy · 03/05/2007 09:00

Didn't manage to get to the Doc's but dosed up with neurofen & paracetomol & fed DD2 on that side. Got about 1/2 hr rest when she had her nap yesterday, but felt wiped out for most of the day.

Had salt bath & a bit sweat last night & a good night sleep, so no flu symptons today, just a red blotchy & bruised boob, so will see how that goes or else I'll be getting AB's for the weekend.

What a horrible experience !

OP posts:
laundrylover · 03/05/2007 10:33

Mojo,

Did you manage to squeeze that lump out or has it gone on it's own?
Good news that the flu feelings have gone.

Original poster
Mojomummy · 03/05/2007 14:27

no, no lump out yet & boob still feeling bruised & swollen

I'm feeling rubbish TBH. I'm going to ring the docs for some AB's in a mo..

Neighbour has taken DD1 so I'm going to have a quick lie down, see if that perks me up.

OP posts:
laundrylover · 04/05/2007 15:04

any better today Mojo? Did you get ABs?

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