XP: Mastitis twice in 1 month - need encouragement

Rachel Goldstein · June 2013

Well yesterday I developed mastitis for the second time in less than a month. I felt some pain then had a fever of 101 *after* taking ibuprofen 2 hrs prior. The first time my supply tanked and took about 2 weeks to come back to normal. Today I was just pumping and wasn't getting anything from the infected side so I tried to manually express and pure pus came out. It hurts like hell so I'm starting antibiotics (which I do NOT do well on).

I EP due to many issues relating to my boys being preemie. The first time it happened I wanted to give up but I kicked myself in the @ss and stuck to EPing... now? I need someone else to kick me in the @ss because I'm so so done with this. I don't want to quit but seriously? This is miserable. I've also had to deal with thrush, milk blisters, and cracked and bleeding nipples for over 6 weeks. I'm already supplementing because I cannot keep up with the boys 70oz a day requirements but I want them to have as much BM as they can but this has just become a nightmare.

Someone talk some sense into me. Or would you quit too?

Rachel Goldstein · June 2013

daylights1:
I'm so sorry you're going through this. I'm not the one to kick you in the because I quit. After many obstacles it just wasn't the right choice for our family. You have to do what you feel is right. Not what other people tell you. For some it's BF others it's FF. Hope you feel better very soon. That said, mastitis is not the time to quit. Expressing/pumping the milk out helps eliminate the infection faster.

I've been pumping every two hours today but have had to switch to manually doing the left into a dishtowel

I'll be disappointed in myself for quitting but i feel as though I would be a much happier mother/wife. Its such a hard decision.

melly918 · June 2013

The only way I got through my early BFing days was to set small goals. I had thrush twice in the six weeks after birth of my first and I nearly gave up. I told myself I would not make a decision about quitting BFing until I overcame the thrush. I did and BF'd for a long time. That being said, I do believe BFing isn't for everyone. It is tough and it is a personal decision that no matter what you decide, your babies will be fine with your decision. I had mastitis at one point also...it's a b!tch.

SandiaPinaMama · June 2013

I feel ya. I went through a lot to BF my son. I've never had a regret. After 5 months of challenges, we ended up going to 16 months. Keep going mama! Also, coconut oil is your friend.

Mmm79 · June 2013

Oh, Rachel! That is awful. I am so sorry.

BF is HARD already without the extra roadblocks being thrown your way. I agree with PPs about not quitting on a bad day. If you really want to continue BFing, take it one day at a time. Maybe reevaluate once this latest round of mastitis clears up. No matter what you decide, your boys will be just fine. You need to make whatever decision is right for you and your family. Do not let guilt figure into your decision.

spincat9 · June 2013

That's so much to go through in addition to the fact that BF'ing is a lot of work to begin with! You are doing great to have persevered! I agree with PP's that now is probably not the best time to give it up, just because it will help get rid of the infection. I had mastitis 3x in the 16 months I nursed DD. I know how much it SUUUUCCCCKKKKSSS...!

If you do decide to give it up ultimately, it's your choice, and not one you should feel horrible about because obviously you are trying so hard to continue. One thing to consider is asking your dr/hospital about breast milk banking. My neighbor does it. She has such an oversupply that she donates her surplus milk. If you are adamant about the benefits of BM but are having too many difficulties to nurse, it might be an alternative for you.

Good luck mama, and hang in there!!!!

ProfessorPedals825 · June 2013

I'm an EPer, and it is very tough. You have to do what's right for your family and not listen to anyone else. That said, I'm really only doing the EP thing because my husband is home a lot (he's a full time student). He always offers to feed the baby while I pump and that really helps. If I didn't have his help, I might not last as long as I have.

As for your infection, I can only really recommend what has worked for me. Hot showers with massage, then immediately pumping afterward. Then I would continue to massage during the pump.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of this, but I believe you're strong enough to keep going. I also believe if you decide to quit, it's because it will be the best decision for your family. There is nothing wrong with formula feeding. Good luck and I hope you get some relief soon. ((HUGS))

Rachel Goldstein · June 2013

Thank you ladies! I knew I could count on you all to not only support me but share your own personal decisions.

I'm going to suck it up and reeval in a week or so after I'm purged of this demon boob juice. Quitting on a bad day is absolutely the worst idea ever I just needed to vent my frustrations with having BF being taken away and then EP being so so difficult with two.

Much love to you all!

ksyknelvr73 · June 2013

I am probably not the best to give you advice, b/c I also got mastitis twice in one month after DS and I quit BFing. My doctor told me I would probably continue to get it, and I decided it wasn't worth it. It was SO HARD to quit and I felt SO guilty, but I have to tell you, I felt like a new woman once I did. I had so much more energy, felt better physically, slept better, and DS did just fine on formula.

Gregermis · June 2013

That sucks!! You can do it lady!! If you need to lower how much BM they get for a few days, that will be better than stopping all together!! You are doing great!! Don't burn yourself out by pushing too hard,though.

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