Help - Mastitis, milk cyst and cracked nipple

[flowers1]

Hi
Well things seem to be going from bad to worse. We've been having some problems with our breastfeeding as LO doesn't always latch on correctly and I have been experiencing sore nipples. This has now turned to mastitis and I am on antibiotics. The dr has also said that the white bit on the end of my nipple is a milk cyst which should heal itself. Today this has sort of split open so there is a bit of a hole and I also have a crack on another part of the nipple. Needless to say breastfeeding is painful but i am concerned about how this will heal when I am continuing to feed. The end of my nipple also seems to have a slight yellowish tinge which I don't think is a good sign. i am using Lasinoh also. Any advice?

 

[Samantha675]

You can also express a bit of milk, rub that around and let it airdry then use the cream. Biggest thing is to get LO latched correctly everytime, even if you have to take him off several times to get it done. In the long run it will be worth it. Also, when showering don't soap your nipples up, this will dry them out. I found that helpful. It will heal, but its going to hurt while you nurse. I am so sorry hun. I also found when I get a plugged duct/mastitis, it would help to get in a the shower and just massage and massage and massage the plug towards the nipple. Hurts like anything, but it really helps break it up. Try not to avoid nursing on that side, as it will also help clean the plug. Also, try to stay in bed as much as possible to give your body the chance to heal.

 

[mama2b]

Have you tried nipple shields?

I had mastitis & cracked nipples and I started expressing and using the shields, which were a godsend until they healed.

I think it took a couple of goes to get used to them but I only used them for about a week.

 

[mrsholmes]

are u using the lanosih after each feed I found that helped

 

[flowers1]

Yes, I am using Lansinoh after each feed and I am sure it makes a difference. I tried the rugby hold today and it seemed to help a little but I found it really difficult to work out how to do it. Can you do it that way with your back supported? I had to do it leaning forward slightly so his legs went round the back of me as there didn't seem anywhere for them to go when I sat back against the chair????