If you've had mastitis... ?

LindseyS0504

I got mastitis over July 4 weekend. Luckily, I caught it early. I did 7 days of dicoxacillin, and when I finished, got sick again 3 days later. Now, I am 5 days into the second round of dicoxacillin, and I feel like I'm getting sick again. And, when I woke up this morning, my right boob hurts so bad - before it was my left. Any one else dealt with this? Any tips on what I can/should do? I REALLY don't want to give up bfing... this just sucks really bad. I put a call into my LC, so I'm waiting to hear from her.

Also, did your supply go down at all while on antibiotics?

MrsSmith81

I'd post this on the bf board if you haven't already. I haven't had mastitis but I know it can really make your supply take a hit. GL!

MrsRoehl_2008

Oh Lindsey, I'm so sorry; that must be horrible!  Sorry I'm not much help, but I hope you are better quickly, with no negative impacts on your supply.  I'm not sure if it would make a difference, but ask your LC about taking a Fenugreek supplement... maybe that could counteract any supply problems caused by the antibiotics.

cluiss1

When I had mastitis, yes my supply suffered until the antibiotics kicked in.  I'm sure you're already doing it, but nurse, nurse, nurse.  I nursed and pumped as much as I could, and it hurt so bad I was in tears.  I also took hot baths to massage/hand express my breast in the water.  When all else failed, I put a cabbage leaf in my bra to decrease the engorgement.  I pretty much did everything that was suggested on kellymom.com.  According to everything I've read, once you get a blocked duct and/or mastitis you are more likely to develop it again which sucks.  Kellymom also has some other natural remedies you could try and thinks to avoid.  I hope this helps and you feel better soon.

AnimalHouse

I had it about 6 weeks ago.  Luckily I caught it quickly and felt better after 24 hours of antibiotics but it took 2 days to clear the blocked area.  My guess is you were so focused on clearing the blockage on the one side that you ended up with a blockage on the other.  My supply was down for a day or so but I was nursing so often to try to clear the blockage that DS didn't seem too affected by it.  Hope it clears up for you soon!

LindseyS0504

Thanks ladies. I am feeling pretty miserable today. I've talked to 3 lactation consultants today, and I'm feeling a little better about the situation. I'm going back to my doc tomorrow, so hopefully I can get this resolved. I've realized that I need to rest a whole heck of a lot more than I have been. Ugh. Who knew being a mom would be this hard!!