too scared to ring ABA

[borntobemummy]

I'm getting really shy and scared to call a councillor at the Australian Breastfeeding Association. I was diagnosed with Mastitis today, and feeding DD is torture!! Last feed, I was screaming/crying in agony and DD was crying too-scared of the noise i was making. I don't know how to do this, I have to feed her or it will get worse, but i am terrified to feed:(

[Chickadee]

sweetheart, phone them. They can help talk you through it on the phone tonight and put you in touch with someone else to go see if necessary. I haven't had mastitis but called the ABA helpline when bub lost a lot of weight when i was breastfeeding. The woman I spoke to was completely non-judgemental about what I had done wrong and really helped. Call them. Don't suffer alone when you need help and support.

I hope that it starts to clear quickly for you :(

[borntobemummy]

both numbers i tried were engaged:banghead:

[Elfin]

Don't be scared they are lovely helpful ladies at the ABA, phone them you won't be sorry. I understand what you are going through get help quickly as mastitis is nasty. Sending my best wishes to you :)

[xkwzit]

Jsut a few things: have you got the antibiotics? Take em, being sick with a newborn is so not what you need.

Massage any lumps under the shower, if you have anything that vibrates that really helps too.

Feed in different positions it might lessen the pain.

I would book an appointment with a lactation consultant, a good one can work wonders.

Big hugs I feel your pain :hugs:

Cheers

[borntobemummy]

how do you find a lactation consultant?

btw, DD is not a newborn, she's almost 10 months! - so weird this has happened:confused:

[Funkychicken]

You poor thing! You must be in terrible pain. Please don't be afraid to call the ABA. I have called them for help a few times and I recently needed their guidance again-and I'm feeding my third baby! They will only help you, not judge or criticize in any way. If you don't seek help this can only become worse. All the best.:thumbsup:

[fee's]

If you can get on to them the ABA should help you contact a lactation consultant if not any major maternity hospital will have info too.
good luck :hugs: to you.

[Chickadee]

You could have a look through the ABA website, for a branch near you (might have a local contact number) or for advice on mastitis: http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/

Or there is the Australian Lactation Consultants Association: www.alca.asn.au (http://www.alca.asn.au)

[borntobemummy]

thanks Martha, you're a legend:thumbsup: I left a message with the 1st councillor, should i wait or try the next one?

[WeThree]

Hi, you poor sausage! :(
First thing you need to do is make sure you get some antibiotics, but make sure you get the right ones, some are not suitable for bf.
Try expressing her feeds instead of putting her onto the breast for a few days, i did this when i had mastitis with my 1st child, and it wasnt nearly as painful.
Get onto a lactation consultant and dont be shy, please ring the ABA, they will help you!!!
xxxx

[holly]

God you poor thing, puts my nipple plain into perspective... grit your teeth and give it your best shot.. but do what's right for you, we can only take so much.

[borntobemummy]

I did get antibiotics, took the 1st one this arvo, next one soon - doctor said it should get better after about 3 days:eek:
I am just so scared, I have to feed her around 6am when she wakes up, and I am almost crying thinking about it.
How could expressing possibly be less painful?? How did you do it? Even the thought of touching them scares me to tears:gloomy:

[Chickadee]

Go for it, call the 2nd. And if you're really desperate, she might not appreciate it, but a woman by the name of Corinne runs the ABA branch in Campbelltown and has her number listed on the ABA site here (http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/contact/groupslist.asp).

[borntobemummy]

D'oh, the link doesn't work, would've been good - I'm in Campbelltown! Ok, here goes, ringing number 2...

[Milly]

I recently rang an ABA Cousnellor for a breastfeeding concern I was having and they were wonderful! I hope that your Mastitis gets better soon, but don't be afraid. My most recent experience was of great support and encouragement. They are lovely ladies!:)

[borntobemummy]

well, what do you know...had to leave a message with that one too - oh well, looks like we play the waiting game..

[Chickadee]

Go to this page (http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/contact/groups.html), and search on your postal code. But I think only do it if you can't get through to the other councillors, and not too late at night I guess.

[borntobemummy]

thank you all.
I just talked to a councillor for ages - she really explained everything. I do have to do frequent feedings to keep it drained - which i'm scared about, but she gave me tips to help manage the pain:thumbsup: I'll keep you updated - need to rest now:wave:

[Chickadee]

That's great to hear, that you got through and got some help. Good luck tonight :fingerscrossed:

[Funkychicken]

That's wonderful news. I hope everything goes well for you. Keep chatting on Bubhub about it if you need to. Everyone here is more than willing to listen.:hugs: to you.

[borntobemummy]

thankyou so much!
i fed DD twice since last night and it still kills, i think it is getting worse!! :banghead: Hopefully, the antibiotics will kick in soon, I am dreading feeding her again! DH will be home with me today, so that is big help- 'i need to get lot's of rest,, hope I'm feeling better tomorrow, he will have to go to work :no:

[munchkin05]

hope your feeling better

if things get to painful try a warm cloth just placed on your boobies and i found that helped alot when i was in a bit of pain

it also helped me with the let down and ben didnt have to suck as hard to get it flowing so that may help

good luck