Recurring mastitis/plugged duct in one breast

[cjanelles]

I have had trouble with my left breast since the very beginning of breastfeeding.

It has always hurt worse, and when my DD was 6 weeks old, I got my first plugged duct that turned into a flaming case of mastitis. High fever, chills, etc. Had to be treated with antibiotics.

Since then, I've had 5 cases of either a plugged duct (the same part of the breast) and/or mastitis...DD is almost 8 mo.

I've changed bras, tried to go without a bra, tried sleeping differently, tried nursing in different positions...it keeps happening.

Right now I'm dealing with it yet again. I'm soaking the boob, massaging, nursing LOTS on that side...it hurts if I don't wear a bra--like the weight of the boob is weighing down on the infected part.

Any ideas or suggestions on a) how to treat it more quickly and b) how to keep it from happening?

[meowee]

I had recurring mastitis and unfortunately no one could explain why it was happening. I was bedridden and in agony every 4-8 weeks for 18 months. I would have gladly stopped breastfeeding, as I was suffering so much and unable to function, but every time I tried to wean her, I got even more plugged ducts. It was hell!!! In retrospect I think it was caused by a combination of not being given the correct antibiotics, oversupply, and a constant introduction of bacteria from my daughter's facial eczema. Do you have any identifiable source of bacteria near the nipple when breastfeeding or at other times? Do you have oversupply? Have you taken antibiotics?

For oversupply (even slight oversupply will put you at risk), eat raw parsley.

It's been a while but if I remember, the best antibiotic for mastitis is dicloxicilin (sp?). If possible, have a culture done of your breastmilk to see if you might have a MRSA infection.

Take ibuprofin liberally even after you start to feel better-- it's an anti-inflammatory so will help reduce the chance of recurrence.

Increase your intake of iron and be tested for anemia if possible.

As a natural remedy, take 5-7 cloves or raw garlic a day for 7 days. I mashed it with olive oil and salt and ate it on bread-- it was edible. This really did help, because my infection was totally resistant to antibiotics by the end. It has to be raw, though, and eaten within 15 minutes of mashing. The garlic capsules don't have antibacterial properties because of how they are processed.

The only thing that stopped my infections was weaning my daughter when my milk dried up due to pregnancy. I had no problems with my next baby, so I do think the bacteria-ridden eczema around her mouth was the culprit.

I'm sorry you're going through this... it was so horrible for me. I really feel for you .

[AuntNi]

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. I had the same issue starting at six months, and it was so painful/depressing.

Meowee had some really good suggestions for you, even some new ones I hadn't heard of. I did figure out mine was mostly caused from bacteria when DD was teething. My first case was the week she got her first tooth, and I got it with every single tooth until my OB figured out a solution. My OB was the only person who believed me, and finally suggested I rinse DD's mouth with a 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide/water. I never had another case.

Anyway, I wondered if you've had an ultrasound? I always got mastitis in the same breast, in the same exact place every time. When my OB sent me for an ultrasound, they found a lump there. My totally uneducated guess is that the lump was pressing on the duct, which made it tend to clog, then DD's mouth bacteria pushed me over the edge.

I really hope you find a solution that works for you, so you can feel as good as you deserve to feel!

[PatioGardener]

I hope you are feeling better soon! Jack Newman recommends lecithin for recurrent plugged ducts, as you can see here on kellymom: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vi.../lecithin.html

[mrs_mandolini]

Originally Posted by PatioGardener

I hope you are feeling better soon! Jack Newman recommends lecithin for recurrent plugged ducts, as you can see here on kellymom: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vi.../lecithin.html

: This, and treating my underlying thrush, made a HUGE difference for me.

[cjanelles]

Wow, thank you everyone, for all of your suggestions and answers.

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so I'm going to talk to my doc about it...again. Unfortunately, my OB is not really the pro-bf champion I'd like him to be, so it's challenging...I'm thinking of changing doc's again.

[meowee]

Auntni-- I also had a lump but they couldn't figure out what it was, because it would shrink and grow but never went away--it disappeared only when I started lactating again with the next baby.

I had a hard time finding anyone to take me seriously. I'm not sure people understand just how agonizing a severe case of mastitis can be, and how it can destroy your life if it is recurring. I remember one time, my fever spiked so high, that I started hallucinating. Other than one traumatically painful childbirth, I've never felt such pain. Getting the flu is peanuts now.

[GooeyRN]

I keep getting it in my left side, too. I don't have advice, but I feel bad for you. I am just getting over it now myself.

[meowee]

Oh-- I forgot-- a huge trigger for me was any kind of upper body exertion. This meant yard work, carrying heavy stuff, aerobic exercise, and slings/ baby wearing were totally out of the question.

[ErikaLeigh]

Here is an article on treating and curing it

http://www.associatedcontent.com/art..._mastitis.html