Mastitis. Waaaaaaahhhhh!

**luna moth** · July 23rd, 2014, 01:39 AM

I've just landed myself with mastitis for the second time. Motherhood's way of telling me to slow down, apparently, but sheeeze, surely a post-it note would suffice?

Anyway, I caught it really early, basically woke up this morning feeling fluey, and spent the whole day in bed, except for changing nappies and occasionally feeding the children - I just left them out a huge picnic and let them have at it through the day. They're both overjoyed at the extra feeds they're getting.

I can see where the blockage is, and I know my body will clear it when it's ready. I want to avoid antibiotics if I can - has anybody successfully done this? Would love any additional tips and tricks you've got up your sleeve. And sympathy.

**Joeve** · July 23rd, 2014, 01:58 AM

Ouch no tips just sympathy xx
And warm shower massages... There's a tip in me after all

**OceanPrincess** · July 23rd, 2014, 02:42 AM

Have you got an electric toothbrush? Warm shower, massage the area using the toothbrush. Small movements, firmly without causing pain (but not just brushing your skin lol), going from behind the lump down over the lump towards the nipple. Circular motions.

Rest. Lots of. Fluids. Lots of. Anti inflammatories.

And massive sympathies.

**PumpkinZulu** · July 23rd, 2014, 04:03 PM

Have you got an electric toothbrush? Warm shower, massage the area using the toothbrush. Small movements, firmly without causing pain (but not just brushing your skin lol), going from behind the lump down over the lump towards the nipple. Circular motions.

Rest. Lots of. Fluids. Lots of. Anti inflammatories.

And massive sympathies.

If you don't have an electric toothbrush, I've cleared blockages with another useful vibrating device, if you have one of those. Hilarious, but it really does work (as does the toothbrush). Xx

**Dot Face** · July 23rd, 2014, 04:25 PM

Contact your local physio and ask if they do ultrasound therapy. I copped horrible mastitis a while ago and came here for advice. The ultrasound therapy was the best, I had a very stubborn lump and it was gone after the second session of therapy. All the best

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**ladybirdflies** · July 23rd, 2014, 04:38 PM

I second clearing the blockage with something that vibrates. Lay on your back and put the vibrating object on the lump or red streak for a few minutes several times a day, being on your back helps your body drain it correctly. I have had severe mastitis several times (4kids) and have only need antibiotics once. Go Well

**OceanPrincess** · July 23rd, 2014, 11:41 PM

24 hours later, how are you feeling??

**luna moth** · July 24th, 2014, 02:13 AM

24 hours later, how are you feeling??

Great! I do have an electric toothbrush purchased especially for boobs, from the last round. I downed a couple of garlic cloves last night and packed my bra with rosemary today, but I really didn't need it as I woke up feeling fine. It passed as quickly as it came on. Some lovely friends looked after me and brought me food, so that was perfect. Possibly immunity from last time helped, or the rest, or the garlic. Probably not the stupid amount of chocolate I ate yesterday, but let's pretend it was that...