I can't catch a break… now MRSA??

Erin0303 · August 2014

So, I am being treated for my second case of mastitis and DD is 4 weeks old. Reoccurrence, etc. Turns out the culture came back from last Friday as MRSA positive! I am waiting on a return call from my pediatric office to get specifics on breastfeeding my DD and what I can do while taking hours sized antibiotics, but does anyone else have experience or knowledge on BF while MRSA positive? This is ridiculous and I have cried daily. The culture and affected breast is my left one and always has been. This also came from cracked, bleeding nipples and an uphill battle with BF and I want to continue! But this is not working! Help...

vvvvvfee · August 2014

that is a bummer, i'm sorry! I don't have any experience with MRSA+ mastitis, but i have read that you should absolutely continue breastfeeding with a MRSA infection so that you pass on antibodies to your LO* (it's never a good idea to wean while fighting off mastitis anyway, because it can make the infection worse). any antibiotic you take for it should be fine as well.

*source: dr. jack newman, a BFing expert (see section on mastitis):
https://www.breastfeedinginc.ca/content.php?pagename=doc-BD-M

for additional piece of mind you can also check drug safety at LactMed or search/call InfantRisk.

hope you feel better soon!

DahliaFlower · August 2014

As upsetting as it is, it's mainly an issue of antibiotic selection. If you are known to have a MRSA infection, your doctor can prescribe effective antibiotics while other routine antibiotics would not work.

It is absolutely possible to be treated and clear this infection. MRSA is basically an antibiotic resistant form of a normal skin flora. Everyone has staph on their skin, you happen to have a version that is resistant to certain antibiotics.

If you are concerned about feeding on that side, I would do two things. 1) ask to see an infectious disease specialist and 2) continue to pump and discard milk, keeping that equipment separate.

The fact is, your LO may already be carrying the MRSA on their skin or in their nasal passages as PP stated. In which case I would think it was less important to isolate that breast. As I said, I would ask to see an infectious disease specialist, though they may have little experience with this topic.

Good luck and hang in there!

Erin0303 · August 2014

@Lissiehoya… we have had basically the same go except no abscess draining here. DD and I also had thrush as well. The advice from both OB and pediatrician now is to definitely keep nursing. I have to take antibiotic ointment for 2 weeks in my nose, heavy oral antibiotics, and antiseptic showers. I was worried feeding LO would be compromised but both feel its best to have LO get antibodies from nursing. It's just frustrating with all the bumps in the road!

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