recurring mastitis!

[hildare]

xposting in regular bf forum, posting for a friend & not for me... 

I'm interested in experience or information related to recurring clogged ducts and/or mastitis. I've had three bouts of mastitis since December and clogged ducts every 2-3 weeks. I get the clogs on both breasts, and it never seems to be the same spot. I can usually work out the clog with warm compresses, massage and nursing, but I'm interested in any ideas for prevention.

 

I nurse T. 3 or 4 times a day (early morning, late afternoon, before bed and sometimes once in the middle of the night if he wakes up), and I pump 3 times while I'm at work. I generally do not nurse or pump by the clock but let Thomas stop when he's full and stop pumping when the milk is no longer flowing.

her ds is around 6 months old.  she's been to the nurse midwives for the last round and they didn't have more solutions to offer.  we've looked at the kellymom and the LLL site about recurrent mastitis, too.  anyone been through this?

[fernie momma]

Hi there,

I had recurring mastitis for the first 2 months after my son was born.  I would get it almost every other day for awhile, and quite severe, with chills, fever, vomiting etc.  The problem for me was a bad latch so he wasn't draining the breast properly and my immune system was worn down and I wasn't able to fight off infections. What finally helped was the combination of getting adjusted regularly by a chiropractor, getting some immune system boosting homeopathics and trying to stay hydrated and eating well. 

It was a tough couple months but my son is 10 months old now and very healthy and strong, and breastfeeding like a champ.  I have only had very mild and very few other cases of plugged ducts since that turning point at 2 months.  I'm really glad I stuck with it and continued, knowing all the benefits of breastfeeding.  Hope this helps!