I recently experienced mastitis in both breasts over the New Year holiday weekend. I never had problems with my breasts during breast feeding my first son. I am curious how I can prevent this in the future. I don't have cracked nipples or any other breast feeding problems. If anyone else has dealt with this, your advice is appreciated. I didn't end up seeing my midwife since I was sickest over the holiday, she just called in my prescription. I'll be seeing her in 3 weeks for my 6 week checkup, but would like some advice before then.
Thanks!
I found www.kellymom.com to be a good resource for breasfeeding. One reccommendation that I followed from that site after coming down with mastitis was to start taking Lecithin. You can read more about it on the site, but it's a harmless herb that thins the milk a little so that it's less likely to clog a duct.
Hi J.,
I didn't have this happen to me, but I found a whole bunch of info for you on WebMD. It's really long so I'll just send you the link:
http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/tn8011.asp?navb...
If it doesn't work for some reason, go to their website and just enter mastitis in their search engine. From there you can find out what it is, and then from THERE you can get to how to prevent it.
Sorry your New Year was so painful! Good luck!
HOw horrible for you, I ended up with it in one breast after my twins were born and I was miserable. I also never had a problem with my older ones.
My doula said that its usually caused by not emptying out all the milk ducts during feeding. To avoid that you should try to feed the baby at different angles, you have to get a bit creative with positions. I would lay down on the bed and point the baby's fet towards the top of the bed and have her feed upside down, sitting her up so she was pointed straight up instead of always to the side and the foot ball hold where her feet are pointed towrads my back. Just try to get the baby to feed in as many weird and differing positions as possibl to allow him to drain every milk duct. I didn't end up with it again but that could just be good luck. Hope it works for you. Contact your midwife and talk to her over the phone or a lactation consultant, they'll have tons of info.
Good Luck
K. H
I had this problem once while is was breastfeeding. I felt is coming on a couple more times but was able to prevent it by massaging during feedings or pumping. I also used a hot water bottle/hot shower.
Pump after feedings - until your breasts are soft, but not completely empty if you are worried that Joey will be eating again soon. Also, once a duct is clogged (you can feel your breast and find the clogged duct), use hand massage on that duct to work the milk out - you can do this into a towel or in the shower - it takes some effort/time, but does work.
