repetative mastitis

[jessaroo]

My sonis 6 weeks old. I have had mastitis 4 times now. 2x in each breast. I thought 3 was going to be a charm, but here I am today with another bout. I am able to heal within a day, but the day with a fever is pretty hard. This is my second child and I never had mastitis with my first. My son seems to be latching on okay. 1 time I think I got it from wearing a tight bra, the furst time was engorgement and the last 2 who knows. I really want this to be the last time I have it. Has this happened to anyone else?

[jessaroo]

oops..reoccurring not repetative

i meant to write reoccuring mastitis. you can tell I wasn't feeling well.

[AutumnAir]

I'm sorry - I had recurring mastitis all the time in the first few months of DD's life. I know how horrible it can make you feel.

Here are some things that worked for me:

1) As soon as I felt the beginnings of it coming on (the times it came on slowly enough for me to realise it before I was a shivering delusional mess) I took mega doses of Vit. C and swallowed 4-5 raw garlic cloves. Repeat for a few days until I felt normal again. This usually helped to stave off the really bad illness, when I caught it in time.

2) Preventative measure: I take Lecithin 1200mg 4 x daily. It's supposed to help prevent plugged ducts, which can lead to mastitis - and honestly it seems to work. I've only had 2 plugged ducts and no mastitis since I started taking it (touch wood!)

3) Preventative measure: I don't wear a bra anymore, ever, and I'm really careful about anything putting pressure on my breasts. I don't ever sleep on my tummy and use pillows to prop myself up so I don't inadvertently lie on my boobs! Also watch out for tight clothing, bags, even baby carriers...

4) When already ill: (I'm sure you know this already!) REST - lots of rest. Take baby to bed with you, call in the cavalry, pay for a babysitter - anything to achieve the main objective. Mastitis is your body's way of telling you you're doing too much. Slow down and listen to it. Drink lots of water, take lots of vitamin C and raw garlic. Use hot and cold compresses on the affected breast. Nurse as much as possible. And REST.

I hope you feel better soon

[marimara]

I will second the lecithin. I had mastitis and clogged ducts when I was breastfeeding and after I started the lecithin no more problems. That and NO tight bras. Loose fitting all the time.

[jessaroo]

thanks for the lecithin tip. I never heard of that before.

[krystyn33]

If you have access to acupuncture, a couple treatments were highly effective in moving out my mastitis inflammation and infection & getting the milk moving better. I also took lecithin.

Good luck, mama! It is SO hard to care for yourself when you have a newborn. Hope you have friends/family who can help you out/give you a chance to rest at least.