Mastitis again?

[mrs_mandolini]

HI.

I seem to have a red sore hot area on one breast and I feel rotten like I'm getting the flu. I had mastitis in my other breast a few months ago and it was just the same, but came on really fast & I had a high fever. This time, it's taking its time coming on & I have no fever as of yet.

So is it still mastitis? Do I call for abx, or wait? I am resting, drinking a lot, and nursing extra on the affected side.

Can it clear up without drugs? I assume it must eventually...

[danna]

It can clear up without meds, but I would call them in to be on the safe side, and take them as soon as things get worse. I didn't get past the first 24 hours without needing antibiotics. I hope yours clears up without it.

[mamaverdi]

I have rested, nursed, and taken tons of Echinacea with success to treat mastitis.

I would take steps to reduce it happening:
Is your baby emptying your breast completely?
Bra too tight?
Something in your diet?

I would try looking for answers to why you have another infection.

Also, I've heard lecithin works for people with recurring mastitis.

[milky_mama]

I would definately see a doctor just to be safe and make sure that it's not a bacterial infection. In the meantime, here are some natural remedies that may help:

*alternate cold and warm compresses placed on the infected area (you can use a warm washcloth and a bag of ice or a bag of frozen fruit or veggies wrapped in a towel) the cold compress helps to relieve the pain and the warm compress helps to increase blood flow which helps to fight the infection
*breastfeed like crazy on the infected breast in every position imagineable
*gently massage the infected area (I know this may really hurt! It helped me to gently massage while I was nursing my dd.)
*drinks tons of fluids
*get lots of rest
*place chilled green cabbage leaves on the infected breast, change when wilted or every couple of hours.

It sounds like you're already doing most of these things so hopefully you're on the road to a quick recovery! I hope you start feeling better soon! I know how painful mastitis can be!

A Blessed Wife and Mama
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[lp75]

My first bout with mastitis was more gradual, like you are describing. My second was really fast... I was able to get through my first case of mastitis without antibiotics (just lots of rest, nursing, pumping, hot compresses and massage) however I did go to the Dr. to get a prescription and I filled it just in case. The last thing you want is to have to deal with going to the Dr and pharmacy once the symptoms really kick in or worsen...

Good luck!

-Lisa

[RachelGS]

Very high doses of vitamin C have been helpful to me in knocking out recurrnt mastitis, especially when combined with other immune boosters, vitamin E, and lecithin.

[mrs_mandolini]

Thanks to all of you. I found some links that said about the same.. if it seems to be getting better that maybe no antibiotics are needed, but if it gets worse then take them.

I started lecithin on Friday (I have had recurrent blebs which are the source of my trouble I think ) and rested, drank, & nursed on Sat. & Sun. I am feeling a lot better, yay! So it looks like I escaped it being any worse this time.

[milky_mama]

Originally Posted by mrs_mandolini

Thanks to all of you. I found some links that said about the same.. if it seems to be getting better that maybe no antibiotics are needed, but if it gets worse then take them.

I started lecithin on Friday (I have had recurrent blebs which are the source of my trouble I think ) and rested, drank, & nursed on Sat. & Sun. I am feeling a lot better, yay! So it looks like I escaped it being any worse this time.

Great! Glad you're feeling better!