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.
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).
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.
How old is your little one hun?
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