MASTITIS-any helpful hints?

[turtlemamameg]

I am about to go visit a good friend who thinks she has mastitis...I printed off some tips from the "ask Dr. Sears" website which seems pretty strright forward, but I thought if any of you mamas who have had experience battling/handling mastitis could speak up and share your hints or tips.

Also, I am especially curoious about alternatives to antibiotics should they become necesary for her.

Thanks in advance.

[kismetbaby]

Just the basics, but they helped me avoid antibiotics once:

--nurse, nurse, nurse (or pump), but keep the breast emptied!

--massage and heat (rice bag works well) on the tender area

--Vit C and rest (just like you would take care of yourself while being sick)

--no pressure on the breast (avoid laying on breasts or bras that might be too tight or have underwire)

I've heard good things about lecithin for keeping reaccuring plugged ducts at bay.

[misstorri]

I've found that my hand pump clears the plug quicker than anything else. Heat right before feeding or pumping helps as well.

[Jacqui]

Soy Lecithin.... i get plugged ducts about once every two weeks. If i miss taking my nightly lecithin i am sure to have a plug the next day. Grapefruit Seed Extract is a natural antibiotic and anti fungal...amazing stuff. Tell her to take a very hot bath and massage the plug in the water with her breast dangling in the water (yes it will look funny but often does the trick)...... and nurse, nurse, nurse!

[Baby_Cakes]

Poke root. When I had mastitis it cleared it up within a day or so. It also helps w/plugged ducts. You only need a teeny tiny bit but it is so worth it to have on hand, and you use it instead of abx.

[AKislandgirl]

Yes to the hot bath with massage. Let gravity help. I could actually see the plug finally release into the water and felt such relief!

Also, besides nursing the baby she should do nothing. Rest, Rest, and more rest! Snuggle up on the couch with the baby and a movie or a good book and nurse as much as possible.

[wiggles06]

Try to nurse on demand, but don't pump. Pumping can get it worse if you do it too much. Your breasts produce as much as your baby needs. Make sure you switch breasts and don't favor one side. I did it and still have one breast producing more than the other.

I used cold cabbage leaves and potato peels. Just put them over the breast and put the bra on. They really gave me relief. You can try some pain relief like Motrin if it becomes very difficult to handle. Get lots of rest and drink fluids, especially water.

If you get high fever and chills call your doctor. You may need an antibiotic.

[Katie T]

Originally Posted by wiggles06

Try to nurse on demand, but don't pump. Pumping can get it worse if you do it too much. Your breasts produce as much as your baby needs. Make sure you switch breasts and don't favor one side. I did it and still have one breast producing more than the other.

I used cold cabbage leaves and potato peels. Just put them over the breast and put the bra on. They really gave me relief. You can try some pain relief like Motrin if it becomes very difficult to handle. Get lots of rest and drink fluids, especially water.

If you get high fever and chills call your doctor. You may need an antibiotic.

Ive had tons of bouts of mastitus and was always told to pump the affected side after nursing to help drain it.
I would also be careful when using cabbage leaves cause I have always been told they can reduce/dry up your milk (while I doubt that would happen while nursing 24/7 id be careful)
I would get mastitus from underwire bras, not getting enough rest, or if the baby slept too long. Also if I slept on by belly I would get a plugged duct.
I agree with if you get a high fever or chills you should be seen. I once went to bed with a breast that was just starting to get sore and woke unable to walk I was so sick. They said I was septic, so just be careful.
Also you should always start the nursing session with the affected breast. The babies sucks stronger the hungrier they are.
Also if you point the babies nose toward the affected spot that is suppost to help unplug the duct. (It may be the chin, I cant remember but hopefully another mama will know and chime in)
Hope she gets it taken care of they are no fun.

[calbury]

The ONLY thing that worked for me was to apply heat to the area and to apply STEADY, CONTINUOUS pressure to the sore spot when nursing. This method worked the first time I used it.