Mastitis

[Kristina6292]

Got diagnosed with mastitis today, on antibiotics which should hopefully help. Just wondered if anyone had any tips to help ease the pain in my breast.
The doctor suggested using a comb to comb the breast, to sort of let the milk come down. Never heard of that!
Be interested in hearing what has helped those of you who have had it.

 

[BubsMom17]

I've had it twice so I am sorry, I know how awful it is.
I massage in the shower and get my baby to nurse frequently while massaging it. I also use a breastpump on a gentle setting, or I use my manual so I can massage while pumping.
Take care to massage gently! Massaging too hard can cause more inflammation and pain.
Take a probiotic or eat yogurt daily to discourage thrush.
Rest! It's so important. Being exhausted can encourage infections, and the mastitis is probably making you feel exhausted anyway.
Lots of fluid, and avoid saturated fats which can make your milk fattier, which can make you prone to clogs.

Oh and don't be surprised if your supply drops on the infected side for a little while. It's normal when you have an infection and as long as you keep nursing regularly it will bounce back.
Take ibuprofen to reduce inflammation to promote more drainage.

Hugs to you! I feel your pain. I hope the antibiotics work quickly!

 

[Kristina6292]

Thanks Hun, he's been feeding fine off it so I've been trying to get him to feed more often from that side, caught up with me today though as the other side was so full! Haha.
It's the aching that I hate, my whole body aches, and my head is constantly pounding. Hoping this doesn't last much longer.

 

[Amber100]

I had mastitis 3 times & the combing helped enormously. I used to hold a hot flannel on the affected side then comb it fairly hard from the outside towards the nipple & then let baby have a feed & it always felt much better afterwards.

 

[sheldonsmommy]

I press on the duct massaging inward and use heat. If you can get baby to feed from different angles it can help too.

Apparently once you have had mastitis you are more susceptible to get it again, so be aware of that area. Sometimes I can feel the bruised feeling starting in the same area and I have to act fast to take preventative steps, like massage and ensuring that breast is empty.

Hope that helps!

 

[Kristina6292]

Thanks ladies. My little boy is 21 months and I'm "attempting" to wean him lol.
It's only been 3 days but I feel so much better now, thank God!