Mastitis

As promised in a previous post...

Mastitis is an infection that you get in your milk ducts while breastfeeding your child. It is PAINFUL, but you can over come it quickly if you know the signs.

1. Tenderness of the breast... this is more of a localized tenderness that you will feel anytime you touch that particular part of your breast.

2. High Temperature: As with any infection you will notice a temperature. I had a 104 degree temperature when I got mastitis... 3 times... however it's safe to take a little tylenol.

3. Hard lump... this can be the clogged duct, massage it, take a warm shower, anything to get it loosened up.

4. DO NOT STOP BREASTFEEDING/PUMPING!!! It feels bad, but it will feel worse if you stop while you have the infection. If you have to stop, wait until the infection is cleared up, then wean yourself.

5. As a follow up to #4... Pump more often when you have Mastitis, it will ease the pressure and will make it feel better.

6. Call the Doctor, if you think you are getting mastitis or just have a clogged duct, try pumping more to clear it up. If it doesn't get better and you end up with an infection call your doctor. They will tell you to pump more, clean your parts, etc. But if you have already tried that they will have you come in and get an antibiotic.

7. Keep your pump parts clean... it helps! I suggest having an extra set of parts, then you can really soapy clean everything out and keep it extra clean.

8. Don't give up, I got mastitis 3 times with my first son ... it HURT... but I didn't stop breastfeeding, mostly because I was afraid of getting it again!!!

9. Most importantly, your milk is SAFE for your baby to drink!

10. If your nipples are burning and you get a fever, you may have a yeast infection on your nipples. Check your baby's mouth, if they have you you might have gotten it too!
a. Bottle feed until the infection is cleared up or you could keep passing it between the two of you!
b. Use a cotton ball dipped in a small container of water and white vinegar to gently rinse your nipples after each use. Let them air dry. Use this same solution on the breast shields of your pump. And be sure to rinse all of the other parts in HOT water.
c. Again, your milk is SAFE for your baby to drink!
d. Finally, call the doctor if it doesn't go away. They may subscribe something.
e. A fever could accompany a yeast infection.

Hope this helps all you breastfeeding Mommas!

Emily