Mastitis and sleeping through..?

[smidgebump]

Hi Pinky

I've a gorgeous 4 month old boy and have been breastfeeding him without issues until now. Have had a really sore, red breast for a day so went to GP who said yep its mastitis and has given me antibiotics etc.

Seems to think caused by combination of a cold i've had for the past week, and bub suddenly deciding to stop needing a 2am feed. He sleeps now from rollover feed around 10.30pm until morning wakeup at 6am.

My question is - how can I stop this happening again? I REALLY don't want another bout!

Many thanks
Dani

[Pinky McKay]

Hi Dani,
You are so sensible to be thinking in terms of 'prevention'.
Some things to try include - taking care of your general health -the fact that you have a cold suggests that you may be a little run down and when this happens resistance can be lower. Take it easy at the moment and for a while after your breast seems to have settled. Mastitis, like any other 'bug' ( virus or infection) can recur if you race around too soon. Smoking can also reduce your resistance to infection. A healthy diet including fresh fruits and vegetables is imprtant and taking some extra Vitamin C and a good multivitamin will help boost your immunity too.

Make sure your baby is well postioned and drains your breasts well at every feed - express a bit if necessary ( just for comfort, if your breasts feel very full, not to stimulate more milk).

As your baby has dropped a night feed, you could either: pick him up in his sleep and give him a small feed to keep your breasts comfortable when you wake feeling 'full' (think in terms of your breasts needing help right now) OR express a little for comfort until your body 'catches up with your baby' and gets used to not
feeding your baby at this time - again, just express for comfort not a 'big pumping' which will stimulate more milk.

If your breasts become tender or lumpy at all,apply warmth before a feed (a warm shower is effective) and gently massage the lumps away. Apply cold ( frozen peas well wrapped) after feeds to reduce inflammation.

Getting onto lumps and bumps and resting BEFORE you become unwell (Take your baby to bed and feed), can prevent full blown masitis.


Pinky