D.B.
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Hello,
Did anyone have a problem with mastitis while trying to wean off pumping only? I am confused now as for mastitis I am supposed to use warm packs, which are a no-no when trying to wean off- actually I am supposed to put ice packs. I am not even sure what the best way to wean off for me is, as I have history of mastitis (if I would prolong just one pumping session, I would get mastitis and need to take antibiotics)- anyone with similar problem? appreciate it!
Thanks Dawn! I guess I didn't explain my situation well. My OB told me to stop cold turkey, which didn't sound good to me, so I called my pregnancy OB and they told me to start with eliminating one pumping session, which I did and right away started having pain on only one side all the symptoms of mastitis. I am applying ice packs, cabbage and wearing a sport bra and pump just to relief the pain a little bit. But that lump on my left side is not going away and I am pretty positive it will develop to mastitis... which mean I will end up taking antibiotics which I am trying to avoid. So, i was wondering if anyone had the same problem and how they stopped pumping and how long it took. Thank you!
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I had the most severe mastitis my doctor had ever seen and was hospitalized for five days while they tried to find an antibiotic to control the infection... it was horrible! So, that being said, here's what they did with me while I was in the hospital. I was weaning (because my doctor ordered me to stop breastfeeding) and had mastitis at the same time. I wore a surgical compression bra with ice packs surrounding both breasts. The antibiotic eventually took care of the infection, but even with the infection I had to continue with ice.
If I were in your position I would continue with ice and call your dr. immediately when you think you're getting mastitis. The antibiotic will take care of the infection and the ice will keep you from producing. Good luck!
I weaned by removing one feeding a week. It was just a little uncomfortable every time I removed one, but it was bearable and thankfully no infections. Good luck!
I get clogged ducts frequently when I miss nursing sessions. My best tactic for lessening the chance of this is to do breast compressions into the sink or towel and to empty them partially. However, if I am missing a complete session (and not just prolonging it), it is important that I am thorough in using compressions on all areas of the breast - especially where I tend to get clogged ducts.
For my second child , I went to some natural doctors and they told me to take vitamin c , like a lot of it, to get rid of mastitis. I was skeptical , bacause with my first, I had been on antibiotics, but it totally worked-and quickly! As for weaning, try cabbage leaves in your bra. But be careful, if you don't want to totally wean , because this works really well, too. Weird, but true.
When I weaned my daughter at 9-10 mos., I dropped one feeding at a time and did it gradually b/c I too had had clogged ducts before (though thankfully they never turned into mastitis). I dropped a feeding a week so it probably took a full month. If you have that kind of time, I would go that route vs. shocking your system. Good luck!
you get wean off of one feeding at a time and remove a new one after several days. it should take over a week or so
