Mastitis question? update with another question

I have mastitis in my right breast and Im in so much pain. My breast feels like a cement water balloon. I went to the dr yesterday and they started me on Keflex. Ive continued pumping every 3 hours, using warm compresses, massaging etc and I feel no relief. When I pump Im lucky if I get 1 oz. Is this normal? When will I start feeling some relief and when will it start draining better?

Update- went back to dr b/c infection spread to entire breast. Dr strongly advised me to let the milk dry up since my last three pumping sessions I got nothing at all. Has anyone been through this?

Message edited 8/17/2010 11:46:31 PM.

Re: Mastitis question?

You can FM Michelle1123

I know she had this when she had her DD

Re: Mastitis question?

I just had masitits about a month ago. It took a good 24-36 hours to really start to feel better. My OB also recommended ice, but I found the warm showers more comfortable.

Seriously, it was more painful than childbirth, so I know what you're going through! Hang in there!!

Re: Mastitis question?

Ugh, I had it twice with DS, it's the worst. You have to nurse nurse nurse through it. I know it kills right now but in about 24 hours maybe a little longer it should begin to feel better. Once the medicine kicks in. Hang in there. If you have a fever put cold compresses on your head. That made me feel so much better because I felt like I had the flu, my whole body had the shakes. I remember my pillow was soaked but the dripping ice cold water helped so much.

Re: Mastitis question?

Thanks ladies. I really hope it starts to drain/feel better tomorrow.

Re: Mastitis question?

as much as you can handle, massage the breast while feeding/pumping. you should be able to feel the clog.

Re: Mastitis question? update with another question

Update up top

Re: Mastitis question? update with another question

I'm sorry but I don't agree with your dr. I don't know, I do not claim to have a medical degree, but my mastitis was awful. I think I said in my previous post, I felt like I had the flu. I had a fever, the shakes, I was in a cold sweat and felt like shite. My entire boob was hard as a rock, to be honest I don't think I've ever felt that bad. But for me personally, nothing was going to stop me from bfing, my OB assured me that mastitis was a "normal" complication of beginning bfing and that as long as I could suck it up, it would be fine. So I took the meds and eventually it went away. I was in agony and tears while I nursed through it but it def. got better. If you're committed then I see no reason to stop. I would call your OB back and ask what exactly is the danger of you continueing to BF??? If there's no actual danger then keep going if you want to.

Also, try putting your DC directly on your breast to BF, they are much much more efficint at nursing than a pump and will definitely clear up the clogs faster than a pump. Hang in there!

Re: Mastitis question? update with another question

I had an awful awful AWFUL case of mastitis...

104 fever, my whole breast was infected- was put on antibiotics as well as topical steroid cream for my nipples...I literally thought I was going to die- did I mention it was awful?

All that said- I felt 100% better on day 3! (I actually felt alot better on day 2- but just not 100%)

It took about 10 days for my milk supply to regulate back to what it was....

I nursed/pumped through it to keep my supply up and keep giving my child my milk!

I dont agree with your Dr advising you to stop... mastitis happens, but you def can get through this!

Re: Mastitis question? update with another question

Posted by 05mommy09

I had an awful awful AWFUL case of mastitis...

104 fever, my whole breast was infected- was put on antibiotics as well as topical steroid cream for my nipples...I literally thought I was going to die- did I mention it was awful?

All that said- I felt 100% better on day 3! (I actually felt alot better on day 2- but just not 100%)

It took about 10 days for my milk supply to regulate back to what it was....

I nursed/pumped through it to keep my supply up and keep giving my child my milk!

I dont agree with your Dr advising you to stop... mastitis happens, but you def can get through this! [/QUOT

Yea, I'm not sure if I agree either but I'm going back to the dr this afternoon b/c i had another fever this morning and today is day 3. I cant put DS to the breast b/c he isnt a good latcher which caused the nipple infection so thats why ive been pumping. I got really worried b/c when I pumped nothing was coming out of my right breast at all. I guess I'll see what she says when I go back.

Re: Mastitis question? update with another question

I had a bad case like Ruby and mommy. AWFUL cannot describe it. I couldn't even lift the baby I was so weak.

I pumped my way out of it - once the antibiotics kick in and I was able to pump/massage the clog out, things got much better.