Mastitis

[mrscompgeek]

AGAIN! I had it in my left breast last week now this morning i woke up and my right vreast is sore just like the other one felt. I talked to my LLL leader and Im putting warm washclothes on it, taking warm showers/baths, nursing her a ton on that side, taking tylenol. What causes mastitis? Since i had it before am i more likely going to get it more times? What can i do to prevent it?

[PatioGardener]

Check out your bras, baby carrier etc and see if anything is rubbing up on the ducts or blocking milk flow in any way. This could be a seatbelt, your purse - anything!

Also, mastitis is often a sign that we're trying to do too much - any chance you can rest a bit more?

Hope you feel better really soon!

[Baby_Cakes]

Rest more, try not to stress out! Nurse in as many different positions as you know how. I didn't know that using only one position could cause it.

Poke root is a wonderful cure for mastitis. I would look into getting some to keep on hand. It is also wonderful for plugged ducts.

Feel better soon!

[BreezyMom]

I just got mastitis again and finally figured out a nursing tank I have has elastic that's too tight under my breasts. I've also gotten plugged ducts from sleeping on my stomach, raking leaves for too long and just being run down like the other moms mentioned. Since I'm kind of prone to it, I've found it helps whenever I take a shower to just manually express a little bit and make sure everything seems OK.

Good luck figuring it out and hope you feel better!

[Savoir Faire]

I can't help you with what is causing-- but don't forget massaging! I was able to really stave off a couple bouts by using fragrance-free lotion and massaging towards the nipple.

Keep hydrated, rest and keep using that heat!

[iowaorganic]

Causes- doing too much, lack of sleep, stress, not enough baby time.

Cure- drink rose hip tea, take some garlic and echinechea, put a cabage leaf on just for a while where it is red, then hop in a hot hot hot bath and soak your breast for awhile. Then get in bed with your baby and rest rest rest.

I have had mastitis soooo many times with my oldest children- when my mw explained this to me I was in awe. When it worked within 24hours I was a complete believer.

[LilaQ]

lecithin!!!!!

I got blocked ducts almost constantly until I started taking lecithin. They have gotten SO much better now and when I do get them, they clear up much faster. Check this out: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vi.../lecithin.html

[kitikatuka]

Did your doctor put you on antibiotics? I know it's not always required, but it was for me -- all four times I had mastitis -- and I started to feel better within 24 hours (with much rest, and massage, and hot compresses before nursing, as well). I'd think getting it in the other breast would be very uncommon if you are on something. I hope you feel better soon!

Here's another good link to kellymom.com where you can learn more about mastitis:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html

[mrscompgeek]

My doctor did give me antibiodics the first time but i started feeling better that evening so i didnt take them. I am feeling better this time too, lots of nursing and hot compresses seem to do the trick for me. I do have the antibiotic here if i need it again.
I have a feeling my bra is too tight. I havent got new ones now that my milk is in, im still wearing some i got at 34 weeks pg.

[averlee]

clogged ducts and mastitis are pretty common, but a horror to deal with repeatedly! Absolutley, if your bras don't fit well, that could be a big prob. Maybe try just switching to undershirts for a while?