Mastitis Again...

One suggestion that has worked with me is Yogart. When ever I am put on an antibiotic I start eatting yogart and the yogart prevents me from getting a yeast infection. I don't know if it works for everyone like this but it did work for me.

Hi

No this is an infection and you need to take the antibotics to clear it up, don't stop taking them before the infection clears up.
K

First - go to the doctor. Don't fool around with any of this. Tell himher exactly what you did and why. (Know that he/she will not be happy.)
Second - FINISH the prescription you are given. It is 10 days because that's what it takes to clear up the infection. If you don't finish the prescription, you get an anti-biotic resistant infection that will not clear up without higher power drugs. Eventually, you can run out of drugs that will work.
You cannot be an effective parent if you don't feel well or if you are in pain. Go to the doctor and do what he says so you can feel better.

When I had mastitis, I took care of it with Grape Seed Extract (natural antibiotic), and astralagus tea (immune booster). Within a week, it was gone and never came back. You can get more information online about these supplements. They've worked for me for colds and viruses too.

The problem with antibiotics is that it kills the good bacteria that thrives in your body. If you have recurring yeast infections (especially after antib), you should do well with a good quality priobiotic taken everyday. Much like you would take your multi-vitamin, calcium, or omega 3 fatty acids. Some people say yogurt helps, but the stuff that's on the shelves have too much dairy and sugar, thus making it an inefficient supplement.

Hope this helps.

~L.

Hi A.,
That is so frustrating! I had mastitis several times when nursing my son and my daughter. I had antibiotics a few times, too, but preferred not to take them too often. As soon as I would notice a sore lump in my breast, I would get out the wet/dry heating pad and a wet washcloth. I would put the washcloth on the area and put the heating pad up as high as possible. I would have to sit with that on several times a day for approx 20-30 minutes each time. Once I started this routine, I didn't have to go on antibiotics very often. This usually got rid of the infected ducts. The hard part is finding the time to sit there (who has that much leisure time?:)

That said, once you are sick and feverish, your best bet is to take the antibiotics and take the whole regimen. To avoid the yeast infection, try kefir (it's like a yogurt drink) - it has lots of probiotics. Or just take a probiotic pill.
Good luck to you!

The best way to keep from getting a yeast infection when on anti biotics is to eat yogurt.I have done nursing in the past n we always advised our patients to eat at least 3 helpings of yogurt a day as long as you are on the medicines. When they did so I would say 90% of the folks avoided this problem.
Make sure you also drink plenty of water that should help.
Hope you get to feeling better soon

Hi there,
I'm sorry you have to go through this, but there are some tricks that worked for me when I had to get on antibiotics. You can get live acidophilus pills from Whole Foods or any other health food stores, and take them w/ antibiotics. Oh, and eat lots of yoghurt!!!!!! That will help you not to get a nasty yeast infection!!! But I think it is important you take all the prescribed antibiotics all the way, b/c that will help you get better for good. And I think if you put some Lanolin boob cream on your nipples will keep them from hurting (will not harm baby) and give him both breasts!!!!! I know it'll hurt a bit, but that's the only trick to prevent you from getting mastitis again. I had this too, and I just kept giving both boobs and there were days, I barely could stand the pain while nursing, but it went away by the 2-3 day!!!! And my husband was very helpful by massaging them!!! Good luck, hope you'll get better soon.
A.

oh my goodness, i can't believe no one has said this yet:

NURSE, NURSE, NURSE, NURSE!

on the infected side! that's the only way to get the duct unplugged. i had mastitis twice while breastfeeding my daughter, and it is no fun, i know. but you have to nurse through it. massages and all that other stuff is good, too, but you have to get that milk out of there! also try switching positions while nursing: try football hold, with baby under your arm like a football; try laying down with baby; etc. call your local la leche league for assistance. good luck!

I know it hurts, I have been there four times. I am so sensitive to antibiotics and get yeasts more often that I would like to say due to sensitivities to perfumes, latex, and meds. Oh, mommma I am hurting for you now...but you need to alternate cold and heat thearapies. Get an ice pack and calm the inflamation, take three extra strength tyelnol (Believe me, unless there is a weird allergy, it will not hurt your baby), after you get back to room temp, get in a hot shower and aim it directly at your breast and massage, massage, massage. Nurse the baby hrough the pain. I am in tears thinking of the pain, but it is he best way. I had one half inch deep slits in my nipples, blisters, and a wee lass that refused to latch properly. It was the most painful aspect of breast feeding, but it was so worth it once I cleared the infection.

Go the the nearest health food store and get a bottle of acidolophous cultures and begin taking them to build up your beneficial flora. Get some organic plain yogurt and insert one tablespoon into you to combat the yeast in a more natural way.

To make a pastse if you have the raw rash mix one tablespoon raw organic honey, one tablespoon butter milk, and enough cornstarch to make a paste, waer a maxi pad and apply as needed.

Drink warm lemon water to flush your system.

But please do not let your infection go for to long or you will harm yourself.

Hi - I am recovering from this currently myself. No lumps, but still pain. I believe mine started with a mild irritaiton on the nipple (bacteria entered on the wound). When I started nursing 3 months ago, I got this perscription (below) from my OB as advised by a lactatiion consultant. Look into it because it might help heal you if that is the source of infection and it should assist a little with pain and fungal growth during antibiotics. you need a perscription and go to a compounding pharmacy - I didn't know what that was, but turns out there are 2 near my house, your doctor should know.

I wouldn't stop antibiotics, but talk to your doctor about different yeast treatments and make sure the baby isn't getting thrush which could prolong difficulties.

PS - I also slept on the infected side. I think the heat and pressure helped unclog the affected duct. I woke up sore, but as soon as I nursed, the duct drained. Yea! It might be worthwhile to try that to prevent clogs where the infection persists.

from http://www.kellymom.com/newman/03b-treatments_sore_nipple...

"All purpose nipple ointment" (APNO)
This combination of 3 ingredients seems to help for many causes of sore nipples, including poor latch, Candida (yeast), dermatologic conditions, infections of the nipple with bacteria and possibly other causes as well. It is always good, however, to try to assure the best latch possible, because improving the latch helps with any cause of pain.

mupirocin 2% ointment (not cream): 15 grams
betamethasone 0.1% ointment (not cream): 15 grams.
If betamethasone ointment is unavailable, mometasone ointment (15 grams) can be used instead. It is better not to mix creams and ointments.
To which is added miconazole powder so that the final concentration is 2% miconazole. Sometimes it is helpful to add ibuprofen powder as well, so that the final concentration of ibuprofen is 2%.

This combination gives a total volume of approximately 30 grams. Clotrimazole powder to a final concentration of 2% may be substituted if miconazole powder is unavailable, but both exist (the pharmacist may have to order it in). I believe clotrimazole is not as good as miconazole, but I have no proof of that. Using powder gives a better concentration of antifungal agent (miconazole or clotrimazole) and the concentrations of the mupirocin and betamethasone remain higher.

The combination is applied sparingly after each feeding (except the feeding when the mother uses gentian violet). Do not wash or wipe it off, even if the pharmacist asks you to. In Canada, Kenacomb (easier to find) or Viaderm KC (less expensive) ointments (not cream) can be substituted for the above combination, but are distinctly inferior. I used to use nystatin ointment or miconazole cream (15 grams) as part of the mixture, and these work well, but I believe the use of powdered miconazole (or clotrimazole powder) gives better results.

Any pharmacist should be able to make up this ointment, but not all want to. Not all pharmacies carry all the ingredients. If you are having difficulties, ask the pharmacist for the nearest compounding pharmacy.

Allright, I had a breast infection because I was so run down and exhausted and I didn't take the time to relax. The only way to really completely get rid of this is to follow the instructions of your doctor and to rest as much as possible. Maybe you can ask for help from your mom/ babysitter. And do nurse him on the side that hurts. What I did to ease the pain- I put a cool pack on the sore breast for 2-3 min before nursing that helped.
The whole ordeal actually weaned my son- wasn't so bad, bc he cut his first tooth at the same time!

Hi A.,

I dealt with mastitis LOTS with my son, who is now almost 7 years old. There are several things to do besides the antibiotics. When you feel the first tinge of it start taking 1000mg of Ester C every hour, also drink LOTS, I mean LOTS of water, like a gallon a day. Also, I used castor oil packs. You get some cold pressed castor oil ( can be found in any health food store, I got mine from the Heritage) then take an old t-shirt and cut a large piece and fold it over several times until you have a 'pad' about the twice size of the red place on your breast (if you don't have a red place then just about the size of the side of your breast. Saturate that pad with castor oil and put it right on your breast, you can cover it with saran wrap to keep the oil from getting out onto your shirt of bra. Its best to wear an old comfy bra and shirt that can get oily while doing this. For added relief put a heating pad over the pack. The castor oil pack helps draw out the infection and may be a bit messy but works wonders!!!! I hope that helps, if you want to contact me for further info you can email me at ____@____.com It can be maddening these infections but once you get a handle on them its not so bad. Oh, while on any antibiotic you should be taking a good probiotic to replace the 'good' stuff on your body that gets killed off, that will help with yeast infections (I get them easily too) Good for you for doing the best for you baby by breast feeding!!!
S.

call your doctor and take all the medicine. there is a reason they say to take it all even if you are feeling better. you will not get better if you don't take care of yourself. would you let your son not finish his prescription? and you have to continue to nurse if you intend to keep going with it. call your doctor.

Hi A.,

I think colloidal silver works wonderfully on mastitis. It is a natural antibiotic that is completely safe with no side effects at the normal dose.

You can rub some directly on your breast. You can also put some under your tongue and hold it there for 10 minutes. Spit it out and drink a glass of water. then repeat in 20 minutes.

Since the antibiotic gave you a yeast infection, it means that it probably killed off the last of your intestinal flora. You should replace that with some probiotics. Let me know if you want the details.

T.

Although the meds are the best for mastitis, warm compress on the nots as well as massaging them out. It is best to nurse to help get through it. It might hurt like no other but you can get through it.
You also might need to go IN to see the doctor; it could be a yeast or staff infection.
Good luck!
-N.

hello A.! I have never had mastitis but I do have the problem with yeast infections and antibiotics. First one problem you have is not finishing the anitbiotics. It is very important to finish it all b/c that's the only way to fully get rid of the infection. When you don't it comes back and usually has a resistance to the antibiotic; thus requiring a higher dosage and lenthier treatment. I feel your pain though! Ask your Dr. for a different type of antibiotic. I had strep throat in November and I had to go to the E.R. ( before I new what it was) anyway I was so sick that he gave me a shot of antibiotics. The shot hurt like the dickens but I only required that one shot and 2 pills later that day and that was it. The infection cleared up completely, and I did not get a yeast infection. I can't remember what it is called, but if you need me to I can find out. Also eat lots of yogurt. I have yogurt everyday b/c it helps prevent them. I don't know if you use the 1 and 3 day otc treatments but my gyn told me a couple of years ago not to use them. She said to use the 7 days, that they were better. I hope this helps.

A.,

I had mastitis when my 1st son was 8 weeks old, and tried to work it out to avoid antibiotics. I wish I hadn't. I ended up with abscesses that were MSRA infections that led to minor surgery to drain them and the antibiotics I then had to take were awful, I had to stop breastfeeding altogether because of it. I don't want to scare you but, I would caution you to be careful and discuss other possible alternatives with your Dr. but get it treated. And possible causes and/or ways to aviod future bouts.

Good Luck,

C. G

You have got to finish that course of antibiotics or you are not going to clear that infection. Yes, the yeast infection SUCKS but the mastitis can be dangerous and you do have to get rid of it. Just have the yeast med cream ready and stay on it. It's a local cream; it's not going throughout your entire system.

A.... I have never had mastitis and I am so sorry you have to deal with this. I did have blocked ducts a couple of times and that was excruciating so I can't imagine the actual mastitis. I hope the other women who have posted here are able to help you.

My sister had mastitis with her third child and it appeared that as soon as she got it cleared up, it reoccurred. They finally decided that she needed to pump because she couldn't keep going on the antibiotics. (She is also prone to yeast infections but I never asked about that part.) She pumped for a little while and then decided that it was better for her to switch to formula... at around 5-6 months. She is very supportive of breast feeding and the value it has for children, but she decided she had given her daughter a great head start on a healthy life and it was more important to care for herself so she could be a good mom and take care of all three of her children.

I know it is difficult and seems so defeating to have the decision of when to quit nursing be decided by a medical ailment, but when you consider this option, please consider it as a possibility to help the whole family because a sick mom is not able to take care of the family like a healthy mom. You need to be healthy so you can help your family.

I hope this alternative opinion is helpful to you, whether you take the suggestion or not. I nursed till both of my children were 8 months old and they got teeth at 5 months. I feel your pain. Teeth stink!

Good luck to you and I hope you find a solution that works well for you. I wish you good health. God bless you.

Liz

Hi A.,

Mothering magazine did a very thorough article on Mastitis last year and included by convential and herbal remedies. I don't remember which issue it was in, but you can check out their website and search mastitis. I would also look at drjacknewman.com -- click on breastfeeding help and then click on list of handouts. He's amazing and answers emails directly!

Take care, K.

I can't comment on the mastitis, but as for preventing the yeast infections, have you tried eating yogurt with live and active cultures while you are on antibiotics? It may just be coincidence, but I have found that helps me to keep everything in balance down there when I am on antibiotics.

You need the entire coarse of antibiotics. Perhaps an even stronger dose this time around, due to the fact that you did not complete the first treatment and could have built up a resistance. Try gettind a diflucan 1 time pill rx from the doctor and take that, as well as eating 2 yogarts per day. I have also heard of treating the actual site with plain yogart. I know that sounds strange but trying all the remedies may help. Also there are vitamin supplements with the same active cultures as yogart that you can take , ask a pharmasist. Good Luck. I had mastitis also it is rough!!!

Hi A.,

Contact the La Lechea league. www.lllusa.org/VA/WebTidewaterVA

When you breast feed or pump your breast, massage around your breast as you do it. Your milk ducts are plugged up.

Look up the article on the web:

http://www.drjaygordon.com/development/bf/mastitis.asp

Good luck. D.

I personally didn't have the challenge of mastitis so take what I say with a grain of salt. I have heard that nursing is better at draining your breast than pumping and that when you are having problems with mastitis that you should nurse on that side first and more often. I would suggest for the problems with yeast infection a pro-biotic. You can take the one that is in some yogurts, or take a pro-biotic straight. You can get it at an apothecary, and sometimes at a health food store or vitamin store. But, where ever you buy it, buy it refrigerated. You can take it all the time and it doesn't hurt you, it just restores all the good stuff to your body that is wiped out by antibiotics.

Good luck!
N.

Hello A.,
I also suffered with mastitis and I am not sure who put you on an anitbiotic for such a long period but when i has mine i was only on the antibiotic for 7 days, and why don't you tell you MD that you are prone to getting yeast infections and they can also give you a pill for that. Check with you MD But also remember to continue to feed and pump from that breast. The lump is just a clogged milk duct, but it can be very serious. hope this helps.

A.,
I hate for you that you are struggling with this ongoing problem... In my years and years of nursing five babies, I've had probably a hundred plugged ducts, with a dozen or so turning into an infection. I've learned so much from my wise midwife over the years. Maybe some of what she's taught me can help you:

1) Nurse often, and don't introduce substitutes for nursing in large amounts. In other words, if your baby is beginning to eat more solids, add to the amount he is getting slowly, to allow your body to adjust. ALWAYS offer breast before giving your baby a meal-- even if he only nurses for a little bit, it will be allowing your body to slowly adapt to his need for less milk. Supply and demand comes into play, so go slowly. There is not any hurry to get him on a lot of solids, ever: your milk is still a complete and perfect food for him, and its compositition changes as he grows, to meet his specific needs. Amazing!

2) If you are out and about, and he misses a nursing, or he just won't nurse and you feel full, hand express a couple of ounces of milk. This can go a long way toward prevention.

3) ALWAYS wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before nursing. Once I learned that my own hands were a source of germs that infected my own breasts, and began to be scrupulous about this, the incidence of plugged ducts went down dramatically for me. When your little one is out crawling around and getting nice germies on his hands, he, too, can be contributing to germs getting into the nipple. You can get into the habit of washing his hands off or using a wee bit of hand sanitizer on him, too, before nursing. I can't tell you how much this point helped cut back on frequency of problems for me.

4) When you first suspect a plug, stop what you're doing in as much as possible, and take a 20 minute very hot bath, to soak the breast. Immersing the plugged area in hot water is by far the most effective way to work toward thinning the substance plugging the duct. While in the tub, gently massage the area-- try to find the place it is most tender, and work that area as much as you can. Then, as soon as you can after you get out of the tub, empty the breast. The best way to do this, of course, is to get your baby to nurse. If he won't, then pull out your pump, trying to massage the plugged area while pumping or while nursing. Alternatively, try to hand express a little. Your new mantra for when you feel a plug should be HOT BATH, MASSAGE, EMPTY THE BREAST. If you are somewhere where you can't take a hot bath, a hot rice sock or heating pad will help some also, but nothing can really replace the effects of soaking in the tub-- even a hot shower can't have as much of a good effect, because the breast doesn't get heated up so completely, due to exposure to the air while showering. HEAT, MASSAGE, EMPTY THE BREAST. Memorize it, and make it happen. It will take effort on your part, but it goes a very long way toward helping you avoid antibiotics.

5) Consider purchasing a homeopathic product called Phytolacca. With my fifth baby, my midwife had me try this remedy with the first plugged duct I had (3 days post partum), and it has kept me from needing antibiotics ever since. Using the heat, massage, breast-emptying alone still landed me on drugs upon occasion, but this remedy called Phytolacca has brought it all home to a place of what has been total prevention thus far, and we're 15 months into nursing this little guy. That's a huge accomplishment for me, given how often I ended up on drugs in previous years. I am so thankful to know about this remedy.

Here's a link to the page I buy it from: http://www.homeopathyworks.com/jshop/product.php?xProd=70...

Its full name is Phytolacca dedandra. It comes in different potencies, and the one I use is 200C, and I buy it in the 4 dram size. IF you decide to purchase this and use it, please write me back so I can share with you how I use it, because with homeopathy there are some standard guidelines a person has to use or the remedy will not do its job. The potency I use is strong, so I only take it once when I realize I have a plugged duct, and then again twelve hours later. The little pills are very, very tiny, and a person only has to take a few. There are special ways to handle them, to protect the potency, and things you'd need to make sure of while taking them, so please let me know if you decide to order it so I can fill you in.

Good luck, sister. You can beat this-- you just need a tool bag. Through the ages, modern medicine has lost the wisdom passed down from woman to woman, and this is one area where we can help each other without drugs.

Warmly,
JennyC.

You need to take ALL of your antibiotics!!! If you eat yogurt while you're one them it should reduce your risk of yeast infection.

Sounds like a pain in more ways than one! You might want to try putting a nice warm heating pad on your lumps/sore spots. I think that helps loosen things up and could make you feel better. Also, don't forget to drink cranberry juice when you are at risk of a yeast infection. Eating yogurt may help too. Good luck!