Mastitis questions

allip504

Also posted on BF board, but hoping you all can help.

I thought I had the flu over the weekend, but when speaking with my doctor then we then determined it was mastitis.  One breast was very tender and I had just assumed I was engorded, but I wasn't getting much milk when pumping and had hard lumps in my breast.  I am currently treating with heat and massage b/c my fever has gone away, if this works I won't need antibiotics. 

 How long does it usually take for the supply to return to normal in that breast?  I think the supply may be down some in my other breast as well, is that normal?  WIll it return when the other one does?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

QueenBee320

I had mastitis about a month ago I did have to take antibiotics and didn't notice any drop in supply.  I'm sure yours will return soon!

Yules

allip504:

Also posted on BF board, but hoping you all can help.

I thought I had the flu over the weekend, but when speaking with my doctor then we then determined it was mastitis.  One breast was very tender and I had just assumed I was engorded, but I wasn't getting much milk when pumping and had hard lumps in my breast.  I am currently treating with heat and massage b/c my fever has gone away, if this works I won't need antibiotics. 

 How long does it usually take for the supply to return to normal in that breast?  I think the supply may be down some in my other breast as well, is that normal?  WIll it return when the other one does?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

As soon as the milk duct is clear, your supply will be back to normal. Mastitis is caused by inflammation due to a clogged milk duct. When I had mastitis, they never cleared up on their own. I had to take an antibiotic (dicloxacillin) both times. If you are seeing a drop in supply on the other breast make sure you're emptying it often, you could possibly be forming a clog there. Make sure you massage your breast downwards as you feed or pump and feel for any lumpiness. YOu want to really do a good job massaging the lumps out.

Good luck. I know how bad it sucks right now! Be sure to report any redness to your OB, he'll need to give you antibiotics. 

KLMFBP3

I had mastitis with my second in both breasts and needed antibiotics.  It was so painful the water from the shower hurt it.  I also didn't notice a drop in supply - I just didn't pump as much when I first had it (before antibiotics) b/c it hurt so much.  But, after I got on antibiotics and took motrin/tylenol...I started feeling better in about 3-4 days and was able to resume my regular nursing/pumping schedule (what little one I had)

ehenderson

i was just about to post the same question! i just started antibiotics last night and my daughter was up every hour (she has been a "decent" night time sleeper before this) and i know she wasn't getting much milk at all.  i am pumping after every feeding to empty my breasts and twice now NOTHING has come out of the infected one.

i'm hoping that the supply returns soon b/c my daughter refuses bottled breast milk in the middle of the night apparently.

ugh - good luck to you!