HELP...Mastitis coming on...HELP!!!!

[~Mamaterra~]

On my left breast, there is a duct that is underneath my arm that will get blocked every so often. The first time it happened was 4 years ago and it developed very quickly into a nasty case of mastitis.

Since then, I have been very good at recognizing the signs of clogging and subsequently massaging that duct and expressing the stale milk from it.

But today, no such luck....

I woke up with a tender breast, fed my 18 month old for as long as she wanted on that side, massaged and expressed the residual milk and still pain. I then got into a hot shower and expressed more milk from that duct and still pain.

I can feel the symptoms of mastitis coming on (getting sicker by the minute) and my dh doesn't get off of work for another 4 hours. What am I to do in that time?

Last time I had mastitis, within an hour my fever was up to 105F and I had to be carried into the doctor because I couldn't walk.

But now I have 3 dc to take care of until my dh gets home before I can go to the doctor. Is there anything that I can do to avoid going to the doctor or to avoid a full blown case of mastitis?

[sraplayas]

Dear Mamaterra,

First, here is a link to a Mothering article that I found helpful on thrush and mastitis: http://www.mothering.com/articles/ne...ed-thrush.html

My naturopath encouraged me to take Tumeric (capsules) and Vitamin C (high dose), in addition to tons of fluids and rest. But, of course, it sounds like you know the basics. I found that helpful for the early stages, but you will know in your gut when you need to get it examined.

[mommytoKRA]

I am sorry to hear that you are in pain. Mastitis sucks. Have you read this info. yet on lecithin? http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vi.../lecithin.html

I started taking the lecitihin I as get plugged ducts all the time. Since I started taking it, I haven't had one yet. Hurray.

Sorry I can't be more help. Good Luck

[dochocky]

Did you try cabbage leaves? It will stop milk production, however, you can get it going again with pumping. You need to clear the infection before you can do any good. Clean cool cabbage leaves worn in the bra all day ( caution it stinks a bit) but it does work.

[~Mamaterra~]

Happy to report that the mega doses of Vitamin C worked like a charm.

For 5 hours, I took 2 grams every hour until I got the runs then stopped taking it all together. It is still tender on that side, but no where near the pain of yesterday.

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

[Samjm]

For future reference, I highly recommend "Mastitis Remedy" from Wishgarden Herbs. You should be able to find it at your local health food store. It has stopped Mastitis dead in its tracks for me 3 times now. It is a herbal tincture.

[gabysmom617]

Garlic!

Garlic Garlic Garlic

RAW!

(or the capsules)

I used to get mastitis from LOOKING at the wrong size bra, seriously. I had repeated bouts that last for at least a week.

Once I caught onto the garlic remedy, and started it as soon as I felt the characterisic ache, it cut the infection down to about 3 days, and it was much milder.

I took a spoonful of minced garlic (out of the fridge) and swalowed it whole (no chewing) down with some chocolate soymilk (or vanilla, gross I know.)

If you cook it, it destroys the properties in the garlic that fight infection, so it must be raw.

If you can't handle raw garlic, the garlic pills are good too.

I highly recommend it.

Get better soon.