Want to BF but scared of mastitis...

[~Chick79~]

I am currently pregnant with bub #2 and I really want to breastfeed this baby (I was not successful with bub #1) but I am also scared of the prospect of getting mastitis... Is there anything you can do to prevent this? My DH will not be home alot so it will be just me to look after a newborn and a 14mth old.... this really scares me but I don't want to not bf because of it.....

[aardvark]

I had bad mastitis with #1. I was so sick, I should have been hospitalised.

I was really worried that I would get it with #2. I spoke to a lactation consultant when I was pregnant, and she told me to be very careful of what bras I bought, and to get them properly fitted, not just buy them off the rack in target or where ever.

She also told me NOT to get the bras with the bit that goes right around the breast with a hole for the breast to go through IYKWIM, but to get the ones where the whole cup drops away, as they are less restrictive on the breast tissue. The problem I have found is that style is harder to get in the larger sizes.

Enough rest and paying attention to any lumps which don't seem to be draining was the rest of her advice.

I didn't get mastitis with #2 at all. I'm now feeding #3, and so far, so good.

[Crazy Monkey]

Thankfully I haven't had mastitis but had the starting symptoms of it... Just make sure that you get bubs to drain each breast and if you do notice a lump or your breasts are extremely tender, lots of massage in a warm/hot shower and always starting bubs of that side will help clear the lumps and prevent mastitis...

[~Chick79~]

Thanks ladies!

If DH was going to home all the time the thought of it probbly wouldnt freak me out much...

I think i am going to have the problem with styles though as currently i am a DD cup so I can imagine what I might get up to when my milk comes in!!!

There is a lingerie shop in my local shopping centre so i might go in and see if they do proper fittings and what mat bras they have to offer for larger cup sizes.

I tried looking up my local phne book however for a lactation consultant and there was no listings... I would really like to chat to one before the birth and have that expertise available for when the time comes.... With no 1 i found the midwives were shocking at my hospital and even the consultant they gave me was of no help...

[Goosie22]

Here is the Australian IBCLC (http://www.alca.asn.au/find.php#qld)Hopefully there is one in your area? Otherwise the local ABA would have knowledge of someone who could help you. Otherwise my suggestions would be the same as above, only that I would only massage the lumps while feeding and apply cold between feeds and warm durning feeds or expressing(to prevent engorement) Unlimited demand feeding is also helpful.
G:)



http://www.alca.asn.au/find.php#qld

[Chickadee]

Have a browse through the Bubhub Info directory for support in your area.

Getting help with Breastfeeding: http://www.bubhub.com.au/servicesbreastfeedinghelp.shtml

General Lactation services: http://www.bubhub.com.au/serviceslactation.shtml

Lactation services in Qld: http://www.bubhub.com.au/serviceslactation.shtml#qld

The Australian Lactation Consultants Association (ALCA) maintains a list of all the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants in private practice in Australia.

You might also find it helpful to get in touch with the ABA and find out if there are other members in your area that you can talk to directly. Usually the ABA maintains a hotline, so if you have a problem you can get some immediate suggestions or advice. Start at http://www.bubhub.com.au/profiles/aba.htm to find what's in your area or call (07) 3844 8977 or (07) 3844 8166.

Good luck :)

[sundaymum]

I was reading on the website where I buy my nappies http://www.nurturenappies.com.au that the Lanacare woolen nursing pads help to prevent mastitis. Perhaps you could have a look at the information there. Best of luck, and stop worrying(it won't help! LOL...)

[occbee]

Don't be afraid to go to the dr, either, if you do think you might be getting mastitis. I am pretty anti antibiotics, but with mastitis (which I had twice) if you can't massage the lumps away just go get the antibiotics before you start to feel too ill, if possible. I found that the lumps were to tender to massage, but with panadol and antibiotics I got over it pretty quickly, without getting too ill.

Also alot of women bf without ever getting mastitis, so it may not be too much of an issue. But give an LC or the ABA a call, even now, to talk things thru. They are always willing to listen.

[~Chick79~]

Thanks heaps for all the advice and tips!

Goosie22 & MarthaM - thanks for the links! I got in contact with an ABA Counsellor yesterday and she was really lovely! Has given me the number for a lactation consultant in my area.

Sundaymummy - thanks for the tip on the nursing pads - will check these out also!

occbee - Don't worry if i did feel anything i would be straight to the doctors (I am a bit of a worry wart like that!)