plugged duct and mastitis

[juliebird]

I originally posted this in the regular bf thread but i probably should've posted here.

So, I received a script for mastitis yesterday but am worried that the plugged duct won't be addressed with the anitbiotic. I've been soaking my breast in warm water and massaging it. (sorry, grossness ahead) This seems to be loosening some of the plugged areas as I can see the thicker milk threads coming out. BUT I'm still sore in a couple of spots and I'm afraid that I won't get it all and will just get mastitis again if I can fully empty the breast. Not to mention how much it hurts to squeeze...i'm probably damaging the breast tissue right there.

UGH. Does anyone have any thoughts on this or encouragement? I'm in need!!

P.S. - as an aside, I went to the ER yesterday for the script and the doctor was really clueless. He gave me augmentin which is ok, but then gave me "something" for the pain which turned out to be vicodin. I asked the nurse if that was ok with BFing and she didn't know. Had to go check. And both the doctor and the nurse discouraged continuing to breastfeed through. The doctor said, well, your son is 10 months old now. You don't have to breastfeed anymore. The nurse told me to supplement with formula to take the vicodin.

[proudmomof4]

Dear Juliebird,

I hope you are feeling better already. It sounds like you got "the basics" right (soaking in warm water).
Have you contacted your local LLL Leader? (www.lalecheleague.org - phone or e-mail will work). BF challenges like that are a lot easier to overcome when you have knowledgeable support.
A Leader will also be able to look up whether a certain medication is compatible with BF or not.
My first suggestion for you would be to "rest, rest, rest". Often, plugged ducts are the body's signal that Mom is doing too much too early.

Remember: "this too shall pass"!

[MamaJenese]

I woke up yesterday with mastitis so I am right there with you! I have been taking hot showers and hot compresses to get rid of the lumps and massaging them while I nurse. The best thing I did was stay in bed all day yesterday. I know for a fact I have been overdoing it. Rest and nurse Mama! I am also taking antibiotics to halp kick the infection.

[Breastfeeding Insomniac]

The meds are compatible with breastfeeding, and they should have kept their opinions to themselves! Call your reg MD or OB tomorrow and ask for a script for dicloxacillin, this is the preferred antiobiotic for mastitis, not augmentin.

As far as the plugged duct, I have never had one, but lots of mamas I work with have described a feeling that they get that they know the duct has unplugged. Just keep doing what you are doing, and breastfeed frequently on the affected side, and it should get better soon

[juliebird]

Thanks so much mamas! I am indeed feeling better already. Went to my very own OB today which is always a plus!

cheers!