tandem nursing and constantly ill

[activemomma]

Hi! My nurslings are 3yo and 17 months; since I started tandem nursing, I've been very vulnerable to all kinds of ailments. I've also been prone to mastitis-like infections (I get a plugged duct, sore breast, redness, fever & chills, and then it goes away after a day or two)--I had this once a month for about five months over the spring and summer of last year. I was prone to mastitis already (had it four times with my firstborn, but spread over almost 2 years). I finally sought treatmeant--doc found no underlying cause and treated with antibiotics for mastitis. Now I've just had it again last week....Now, in the past two months, I've been sick five times--three different colds, a sinus infection and the aforementioned mastitis.

I've been working on building my immune system (no coffee, (almost) no sugar, no dairy for the last little while, lots of veggies and fruit). Have any other tandem nursers experienced weakened immunity? Everyone is telling me it's b/c I"m nursing too much (I AM nursing A LOT), but I'm also getting too little sleep and exercise. Does this sound like a crazy amount of sick?

Appreciate your feedback.

thanks.

[lunarlady]

I, too, found tendering just runs me ragged. I have to take a lot of supplements, be very careful of my diet, and really self care of I am always sick, tired, and fighting serious illnesses.

No coping ideas (outside weaning the elder) but lots of commiseration.

[activemomma]

I'm very, very grateful for your reply. This is just life, maybe! For now, anyway.

[averlee]

Mama, it sounds to me like you are run down.  I really applaud you for breastfeeding your 2, and I believe you are doing the best thing for both your children by continuing to breastfeed. I was seriously dedicated to at least breastfeeding for the 2 year minimum and I hope you can make it, too.

I bet you are not getting enough calories. You plus two nurslings should be like 2600 - 3400 calories a day (that's like 4 meals & 5 snacks, plus 2 desserts), most moms don't eat nearly enough. I also think you should keep taking your prenatal vitamins the whole time you're tandem nursing. I found that more than anything, big nutrition and eating for 3 was the key to my health while tandeming.

The recurring problems with mastitis sounds like 2 possibilities to me- over cleaning the breasts and/or bad fitting bras. There is no need to wash the breasts, actually frequent washing can remove the antibacterial residue that prevents infection. Some mothers are instructed to wash the breast between feedings for each child, but that unfortunately leaves the mother vulnerable to infection. One book I have even suggests to be careful not to let shampoo suds trickle over the breasts while showering, rinsing with plain water is enough. Then also, if you have not been fitted for a nursing bra recently, that is essential. A poorly fitting bra can put pressure on different areas of the breast causing the plugged ducts that lead to infection. Similarly, avoid uncomfortable nursing positions, and for me, stomach sleeping led to plugged ducts too.

Also, when I seem to be getting one sickness after another, I can sometimes break the cycle with beneficial bacteria. Drinking a lot of kefir (like a quart a day) and eating yogurts with 7-15 live cultures gets my immune system back on track.

[fruitfulmomma]

I agree with pp about the bra issue. I had to quit wearing one with #3 because of numerous reoccuring mastitis infections.

I have been sick a ton this last six months. I am not tandeming at the moment but my 2yo has lots of allergies/intolerances so we are on a restricted diet, which may have something to do with it. Dh thinks my body is just worn out from 7 pregnancies/5 births/breastfeeding 5 children. I never really noticed any increase in illness when I had my tandem pairs, but they do take a lot of nutrients so be sure you are taking care of yourself.

Garlic is a good supplement to help boost immunity. Also echinachea.

[activemomma]

Thanks for your replies...I actually re-started my multi-vit and I got on some probiotics and (touch wood) I've been feeling a little bit better lately. The bra thing--you're right, it is a problem. I have underwires. Also, I often wear my bag slung over my chest and I know it isn't helping. I'm finding it hard to justify buying new bras when my size will change again with weaning, but as weaning now appears to be a LONG way off, I suppose it is worth the investment. :)

We've been under too much stress this last year (sold a house and moved twice) and I'm sure that's contributing.

It's hard to find the resources to prevent being run ragged when you're run ragged, you know? Anyway, thanks.