Mastitis

edited July 2011 in Pregnant
Have any of you ladies ever had mastitis if so how did you cope?

Comments

  • The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • Thanks ladies.. I know its not that common.
  • Maybe a lactation consultant can help you
  • Omg! Had it with my oldest. I went to hospital numerous times to use thier industrial pump. Once I saw blood I decided to just give up. This was 15 years ago, I wish I stuck it out but the pain was unbearable.
  • @jaime77 how long did it take before you started seeing blood because I just woke up with mastitis two mornings ago. I start my antibiotics tomorrow I just don't know what I would do if I seen the blood. It so painful I wanna quit. I try pumping but that hurts to.
  • I had it with my daughter. Use Warm wash cloths on ur breasts and pump and feed baby as muchas possible. That will ease some of the pain. Massage ur breast when u are in the shower. It is very painful. If it doesn't inprove go see a doctor it could be an infection. They can give u medication. But call a lactation specialist. They can really help and be supportive.
  • I think day 3.. He fed good 1st day, once we got home I was engorged he would never latch..pumping and seeing blood in the milk freaked me out. I gave up. Try not too! I wish I hadn't.
  • It will hurt. Hang in there. It does go away and it gets easier. I had it the second week after having my baby. I wanted to quit but I didn't. It hurts. I'm sorry ur going through this!
  • The user and all related content has been deleted.
  • Breast infection
    Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess
    A breast infection is an infection in the tissue of the breast.
    Causes, incidence, and risk factors

    Breast infections are usually caused by a common bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) found on normal skin. The bacteria enter through a break or crack in the skin, usually on the nipple.

    The infection takes place in the fatty tissue of the breast and causes swelling. This swelling pushes on the milk ducts. The result is pain and lumps in the infected breast.

    Breast infections usually occur in women who are breastfeeding. Breast infections that are not related to breastfeeding might be a rare form of breast cancer.
    Symptoms

    Breast enlargement on one side only

    Breast lump

    Breast pain

    Fever and flu-like symptoms including nausea and vomiting

    Itching

    Nipple discharge (may contain pus)

    Nipple sensation changes

    Swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth in breast tissue

    Tender or enlarged lymph nodes in armpit on the same side

    Signs and tests

    Breastfeeding women are usually not tested. However, an exam is often helpful to confirm the diagnosis and rule out complications such as an abscess.

    Sometimes for infections that keep returning, milk from the nipple will be cultured. In women who are not breastfeeding, testing may include mammography or breast biopsy.
    Treatment

    Self-care may include applying moist heat to the infected breast tissue for 15 to 20 minutes four times a day.

    Antibiotic medications are usually very effective in treating a breast infection. You are encouraged to continue to breastfeed or to pump to relieve breast engorgement from milk production while receiving treatment.
    Expectations (prognosis)

    The condition usually clears quickly with antibiotic therapy.
    Complications

    In severe infections, an abscess may develop. Abscesses need to be drained, either as an office procedure or with surgery. Women with abscesses may be told to temporarily stop breastfeeding.
    Calling your health care provider

    Call your health care provider if:

    Any portion of the breast tissue becomes reddened, tender, swollen, or hot

    You are breastfeeding and develop a high fever

    The lymph nodes in the armpit become tender or swollen

    Prevention

    The following may help reduce the risk of breast infections:

    Careful nipple care to prevent irritation and cracking

    Feeding often and pumping milk to prevent engorgement of the breast

    Proper breastfeeding technique with good latching by the baby

    Weaning slowly, over several weeks, rather than abruptly stopping breastfeeding
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