We had our GP appointment today. Very quick because I already have the appointment for tomorrow, but she had a look and she said yes there's a tongue and upper lip tie, and if it's causing issues breastfeeding she's got no issues recommending a referral to have them snipped.
Tonight I'm in a bit of pain and feeling off. I've been avoiding the left side because of the pain, so then I got worried that the way I'm feeling could be the start of mastitis due to not draining it. It hurts more of the breast now, it hurts to touch. So I tried expressing while DS was in the bath to see if there'd be any relief. It was actually worse, there was blood in the milk from a crack and the pain was constant, whereas when DS feeds on it it's just for the first 30 seconds or so.
So I'm completely second guessing myself, it's stupid. The right side is totally back to normal, no pain. If it was the ties causing the problem, wouldn't it be ongoing? Now I'm worried it's actually thrush in the left breast. I just don't know anymore
It's always possible there's more than one issue there Teeki. Keep going mate, and keep asking for help - you'll get there.
Has DS fed off the left side to drain it? How is it now?
I had a nice warm shower - that felt fantastic - and tried hand expressing, but I'm so useless at that. It didn't even feel like there was anything in there after using the pump though. I did put DS on there, man did I have to psych myself up for that! Because I'm feeling so crappy I think I made it even worse in my head. He was on there for a bit, til he'd had enough. I still feel off though, but after going outside to bring in the washing I realised it's my legs, butt and shoulders that have sore muscles. Maybe I've overdone the exercise, I don't know.
I'm just all around tired and feeling blergh right now, so I'm going straight to bed once he's back asleep. He's on the right now, I'll put him on the left after. The funny thing is once he's latched on and I've gotten through that pain, if he comes off, has a look round then goes back on, it doesn't hurt that time.
Take nurofen (can take panadol too if you need it but nurofen better for mastitis)
Go to bed. Go directly to bed. Stay there as much as humanly possible.
If you feel worse in morning go to doctor ASAP
Cabbage leaves on breast does work. Will reduce supply slightly (as will being sick) but it will recover
Do you have a pump you could use for the sore side?
Any lumps?
Do you have a bath? I found hand expressing easier in the bath. Submerge the breast for a bit then I would massage down towards the nipple and press the nipple as I got their (essentially pinch the outer side of the areola). In the bath I found it easier to find and work on any lumps.
Re: For the first time, breastfeeding is hard :(
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Keep going mate, and keep asking for help - you'll get there.
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