Does this look like the start of mastitis?

[Amy_jellybean]

Hi girls,

The mastitis was getting worse not better even after the ultrasound. I've just got back from the doc and she has told me to have the antibiotics and express until the mastitis has cleared and if I want to the dump the milk and switch him to formula. Then once I've finished the antibiotics and she can check the mastitis has cleared up she'll give me the tablet to stop the milk.

I've been a crying mess and I think it's best for both mine and quinn's sanity.

[Pholi]

You poor thing! I hope you feel better really soon with the ABs.

As far as stopping breast-feeding goes, you have to do what's right for you, but the mastitis is going to make it hard for you to think clearly, and you might change your mind once the mastitis and the nipples have cleared up. Do what you need to do as far as keeping baby fed... I have heard that it's absolutely fine to give bubs the milk you express when you have mastitis, but I'm sure others will know better than me. I would just encourage you to wait until you're feeling better to make the decision to take the pill that stops you lactating, just in case you change your mind.

[*beannaithe*]

Just want to give you the hugest hug, hun. It sucks.
Absolutely do what is right for you but you certainly can still bf with mastitis. It does hurt but the blockages need to be cleared regardless. I ended up in hospital on iv abs with mastitis after my wee girls shredded my nipples with tongue tie. I lost count of all the feeds where I would be crying in pain as they fed, wondering why the hell we didn't just switch to formula. It has been a bloody long and hard road but I persevered and it has been so worth it. Something someone did day to me at the time was that when you are really thinking hard about switching, just try for just one more day before you go ahead and make that decision. And even though the next day things still were pretty horrible, we would think just another day, just one more day. Sounds dumb but that did help me get through the early days.
Ultimately though, happy mama = happy baby. I feel for you and hope you get some relief soon.

[nickle730]

Hey Amy, I'm sorry you are suffering such a tough start to BF. I'd like to say firstly, you should do what is right for you as far as deciding whether to persevere with BF or to switch to FF. I have been both a BF and a FF mama and I am in no way judging you or your choice.

Having said that, I think your GP has given you some pretty crap advice and not enough support! The only reason to dump the milk you express is if she has prescribed you with an AB which is not suitable for a BF mother - which she should not have done. There are plenty of AB's which are compatible with BF and you should be prescribed with one of those to treat your mastitis. From your post, the GP offered you no support or encouragement to get through these early difficulties and achieve a long term BF relationship with your DS.

It is very difficult to see a future of successful, painless BF when you are in pain, unwell with mastitis, most likely very tired and hormonal to boot. This episode does not mean that you won't have a beautiful BF future with Quinn - if that is what you want. I think this is not the time to make a decision about whether you will continue to BF or not. Take each feed/express one at a time and deal with the immediate issues of your nipples and mastitis. When you are feeling better physically, you can consider which direction you wish to take in your feeding future.

Again, follow your own heart. My advice is based on my own past and feelings of giving up BF too easily due to a lack of support and education. If you want to BF, you can do it!

[little_O]

Oh Hun! It feels like your dying doesn't it! I remember not being able to move, in pain and burning up
The abs work really quick and you'll feel so much better soon.
I agree with pp, the milk doesn't have to be thrown out unless the abs are bad. Like I mentioned before, I had it 5 times and dd fed through it all.

Of course you have to make the decision best for you, but dot feel you have failed. Quinn can have your milk, you can breastfeeding if you want, and it WILL get better.

Massive

[Calluna]

Hey Amy, I'm sorry you are suffering such a tough start to BF. I'd like to say firstly, you should do what is right for you as far as deciding whether to persevere with BF or to switch to FF. I have been both a BF and a FF mama and I am in no way judging you or your choice.

Having said that, I think your GP has given you some pretty crap advice and not enough support! The only reason to dump the milk you express is if she has prescribed you with an AB which is not suitable for a BF mother - which she should not have done. There are plenty of AB's which are compatible with BF and you should be prescribed with one of those to treat your mastitis. From your post, the GP offered you no support or encouragement to get through these early difficulties and achieve a long term BF relationship with your DS.

It is very difficult to see a future of successful, painless BF when you are in pain, unwell with mastitis, most likely very tired and hormonal to boot. This episode does not mean that you won't have a beautiful BF future with Quinn - if that is what you want. I think this is not the time to make a decision about whether you will continue to BF or not. Take each feed/express one at a time and deal with the immediate issues of your nipples and mastitis. When you are feeling better physically, you can consider which direction you wish to take in your feeding future.

Again, follow your own heart. My advice is based on my own past and feelings of giving up BF too easily due to a lack of support and education. If you want to BF, you can do it!

Exactly this. The doctor should have given you abs that are safe while breastfeeding. If you arent sure call the aba (24 hours 7 days) and ask them about the specific ab you are on. Im fairly sure they can tell you if its ok or not. Plus they will be able to offer you some support.

Lots of gentle hugs hun, mastitis is debilitating and you have been through so much in your bf journey so far. It does get easier, I promise, but your mental health is just as, if not more, important. Just make sure you are comfortable with your decision, whatever that ends up being. Dont do anything because others have told you to. It is you that has to live with that decision, not anyone else. We are all here to support you in whatever you decide is best for your family.

[Amy_jellybean]

Thanks girls. I should clarify that the antibiotics are ok to still feed him the ebm. However I have been told that the antibiotics can cause thrush in his mouth. To be honest I don't need that stress at the moment ontop of everything else. Just to make things even better I got up today and damaged the internal stitches in my stomach so now my whole ******* body is killing off to see the ob tomorrow

[Calluna]

Ouch

[Barb Glare]

The advice you got from the GP is complete rubbish - please don’t follow it. The antibiotics are completely safe to take while breastfeeding, and the risks of formula feeding are serious and real compared to a little antibiotic in your milk. Thrush is unlikely in your baby and very minor. It sounds like you need antibiotics for more than your breasts right now, so I hope you’ve started taking them. Hopefully your ob will be more use. Also get some kennacomb creme (on prescription) for your nipples.

[PumpkinZulu]

Amy, I'm most likely going to start an antibiotic in the next few days for retained products My wonderful midwife has suggested of this is the case, that I take a high dose probiotic to counter thrush, as well as a probiotic for DD2. So definitely doable, if you feel you can

[Amy_jellybean]

Hi,

He has had 2 formula feeds and been much more settled and slept a lot better. The information wasn't just forwardly given by the gp, I asked the questions.

I believe that I've made the right decision so I guess at the end of the day that's all that matters. I can always call his pead if I'm concerned about him on formula.

Thanks for all your advice.

[AlligatorsMum]

U sound a little more settled with things this morning Amy. The main thing is u and Quinn are both happy and healthy! It's a difficult time in the early stages and adding in the nipple issues, the mastitis and the stitches issues uve had ur fair share of obstacles already! I hope u have already started to heal Nd can be soon up and back to feeling 100% to enjoy ur little man!!

Congratulations again!

[Amy_jellybean]

Thanks love

[Calluna]

Glad you had a better night. Hope youare feeling better asap.

[~Hestia~]

Glad to hear he is more settled

[little_O]

Happy mum and happy baby

Hope your stitches aren't too bad Hun! I promise once you get through these first few weeks it all improves.

[HotI]

Happy mum and happy baby
.

Yep, if you are basing your decisions on accurate information. Have a read of Barb's post again, when you are rested and able to focus.

take care

[Amy_jellybean]

Hoti I've made my decision please don't make me feel any worse than I already do.