Mastitis 3 times in 3 weeks!

[surprised]

Shame there's no World Cup for breastfeeding problems...

Just wanting to hear from anyone who has had recurring mastitis - what was it that finally kicked it for you? First 2 times I had lumps, but today it hit over the course of 1 hour, with no lumps. Also have an infection in part of my gum (am in the middle of seeing dentist for that) - could the two be related?

Am on Keflex (a week's worth). Will see my lovely GP on Wed, but just wanted to know others' experiences.

[mummato1]

I too had it three times and it was horrible. All three times it hit within an hour or two with no lumps, and the second time I ended up in hospital.

Three times in such a short period time, along with lots of other problems was enough for me at the time and I could not persist any longer. A went to lacation clinic about 7 times, but I really didnt feel supported. I am still wondering 'what if' I had kept going through it.. and I am still beating myself up a bit. I have learnt a lot more since then, and I feel much more confident going into it a second time.

[Miss E]

Just wanted to give you a big hon, you're certainly having a rough trot. Hope it clears up quickly.

[MantaRay]

Oh no - what an awful time you've had How old is your little one hun?

Recurrent mastitis can have a few causes - it might be that the breast needs to be drained more often - how many feeds does your little one have in 24 hours?, it could be related to a tight bra or other pressure on your breasts, it could be something like white spot that is blocking some milk from coming out, or maybe your immunity is lowered at the moment - it could be related to your other infection. It is also possible that the antibiotics you are taking are not the right ones for your infection so it's not totally going away in between. Sometimes there can be a medical cause, some mums who have recurrent mastitis have low levels of IGA. If this doesn't clear quickly and stay away with frequent feeding and no tight bra, it might be a good idea to try another type of antibiotic - Barb should be able to tell you the best ones.

All the best hun.

[Loula]

This is something i dread getting, any tips on how to avoid?

and hugs hun xx

[MantaRay]

Loula, frequent feeding and avoiding tight bras etc are the best tips. In the early days especially many mums have too much milk. If your breasts are still uncomfortably full after a feed, it is a good idea to express enough off for comfort. And if you do have a blocked duct, clearing it quickly is important. But don't worry, you will get plenty of great advice on here if you need it, and there is also the ABA 24 hour help line - 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 686 2 686, drop the last 6 for VOIP).

[mummato1]

MantaRay - whats IGA??

[studymum]

You can also try to adjust the position in which bubs is feeding, to help drain the breast ducts in that area better. Try expressing that side after each feed to make sure it is drained properly, and its best to complete 2 courses of antibiotics to ensure the infection has been well and truly kicked, sometimes reinfection is because a small amount stays behind and hides dormant for a little while and seeks vengeance. Hope it clears up good this time.

[surprised]

ta all... Sorry quick post... Ended up in hospital for iv abx

[TeniBear]

Hope you're okay

[MantaRay]

Oh no hun, I hope you are better soon Take care

eta igA is one of the immunological factors in blood (and breastmilk).

[mummato1]

Sorry to hear hun.. I know whats its like, hope your OK

thanks MantaRay

[Jennifer13]

Hope you're better soon, hun.

I had recurring mastitis, but not quite that close together. When you're back on your feet, let us know how you're doing. At this point I can probably only give you advice on how to recognise it early and try to avoid it next time around.

[surprised]

Hi all,

Thanks for the love!

Got sent home this morning - didn't really think I was well enough to leave but at least I can now visit the physio this afternoon and see if I can get some of these lumps moving.

Jennifer - would love any advice on avoiding it in the future... I was lying in emergency on Monday night thinking "is this what people feel like just before they die"?!!! Something I'm very keen to avoid again.

[onthefly]

Bloody hell! Hope that's the last time
Have you looked into a physio for ultrasound therapy at all?

[Loula]

hope you feel right as rain soon xx

[surprised]

thanks girls

marcellus - yep, went this arvo and going again tomo. Seems to be working really well so far!! Hooray!

[mummato1]

I was lying in emergency on Monday night thinking "is this what people feel like just before they die"?!!! Something I'm very keen to avoid again.

I remember lying in hospital thinking very much the same as this, and then the nurse asked me when I was having another baby... Needless to say he did not get a good response!

Glad to hear all is going well