mastitis ?'s

jdp

I got mastitis yesterday on my left side.  Horrible fever, body aches and headache came along with it.  DH called the clinic and they just prescribed an antibiotic, and insisted I didn't need to come in.  Is that normal?  Also instead of having DD nurse on that side, I just pumped and I think that caused my nipple to get blisters on it.  In hindsight I should have just had her nurse, but it was hard getting a letdown and she was getting frustrated so I just nursed on the right.  So if I continue a hot washcloth and massaging, am I going to be able to get enough milk out just doing it by hand, or should I have DD nurse and potentially have a bloody nipple from a popped blister?  Ugh.  This is horrible!

bobcatsteph

Ugh, sorry. I had it a week ago and it sucked. My OB just called in a prescription, I think that's normal. I was also told to breastfeed as much as possible on that side. I don't have any advice about the blister.

I felt normal about 24 hours after I started antibiotics. My supply dipped a little while I was on the antibiotics but it's back to normal now.

apriloutnumbered

Yes, it's usual for the Dr to just call in an antibiotic when you have mastitis, but if you aren't feeling better by day 3 or 4 you should call back because sometimes mastitis can be resistant to most antibiotic (not usual).  I've had it three times (with diff kids) and it SUCKS!  You should nurse frequently on the effected side, I'm sorry about the nipple pain I would just use some lanolin on it.  I know you are miserable, I wanted to stop nursing each time I had it but somehow managed to get through it.  Hope you feel better soon!