Thursday, December 6, 2007

Not for Men

I don't know if I have any male readers out there, but if there are any you might want to skip this post. It's not really the kind of think that men enjoy hearing about.

With that said, women I need some insight and advice. I spent most of the day on the couch because I got mastitis for the 2nd time. For those of you that don't know what mastitis is it's a bre*st infection that women can get when they are bre*stfeeding. Let me just tell you it's NOT fun! Last time I got it I was miserable for 4 days. It wasn't nearly as bad this time but I had all the symptoms that are listed on the link and I have done nothing but sleep and lay around and pray that Jericho would sleep longer than her usual 1 hour during naps.

I don't understand why I keep getting it. I'm eating healthier than I ever have before, I've been taking acidophilus since the last time I got mastitis, and I haven't done any of the things that say could cause repeated episodes. (there is a list on the link) It does mention that it could be from the mom's immune system being run down, acidophilus helps keep your immune system boosted, and I've always been a pretty healthy person. I can't remember the last time I've been sick, not including the mastitis, it was sometime before Seth and I were married. The other things it says could cause mastitis is being fatigued and/or stressed. I have to tell you that this is the least amount of stress that I have had in our 3 years of marriage and I don't feel fatigued, I usually get 8 hours of sleep at night. We do have times that we get very busy (who doesn't) but I'm pretty good about taking it easy after weeks like that. I did have to have a lump removed on the side (it's been in the same spot both times) that has been giving me problems a few months before I got pregnant for Jericho. I'm wondering if this is what is causing the milk to get plugged.

So ladies, what do you think? What do I do? Jericho is only 3 months old and I really don't want to be going through this every couple months. Got any advice? Do you think it's because of the surgery or something else? Hopefully it won't be a problem again but I'll take any advice I can get it if will keep me from getting mastitis again.

For any men that continued to read, I told you that you probably wouldn't enjoy it. Maybe next time you won't be so nosey!

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Feed or pump more than you normally would! I had it twice with Oceana, and I'm with you - it's horrible! But the best way to get rid of it, is to feed the baby more often. It could be that there's some scar tissue around that area and so you're getting less flow there, but still if it were really a concern, you'd be constantly plugged - so I don't think it's a major concern. Try hot/warm compresses, take hot showers - try and get the showerhead pointed there. You can massage the lump out, but go gently - push toward the front, as you would for hand pumping. The milk isn't "infected" so Jericho will be fine. Good luck! I had it twice, and it was a beast, but I managed to stay out of the Dr's office doing the stuff I mentioned above. I had no particular reason it was happening either... it just happens sometimes.

Andrea@Sgt and Mrs Hub said...

I'm SO sorry, Tarah. I don't have any good advice - the only thing I can think of is you could call your local Le Leche League and talk to a lactation consultant. I'm pretty sure it's just a volunteer thing and it would be free. She'd probably come to your house and talk with you even. I also think that through your insurance company you probably have access to a lactation consultant for free as well - you'd just have to check. They'd be able to help you out in a more natural way than the doctor. Sorry, that's all I could think of. I sure hope you feel much better today. I'll be praying that you get some clarification as to why it keeps happening.

-Andrea

Anonymous said...

a lactation specialist helped me. she came to my house and figured out the problem in one visit. i have had three babies and mastitis more than once with all of them. not fun. call one and they can help you out over the phone or at your house. i got my ls name from the hospital where i delivered. good luck. :)

Courtney @ splashing grace said...

Hi Tarah, I'm a friend of Michelle C - and found your blog through hers. (And our husbands are in WINGS together). I'm also a breastfeeding counselor through WIC.
For compresses one of the easiest things is to fill a disposable diaper with water & heat it up in the microwave - it molds to you wonderfully! Do this before feeding her/massaging the area and as needed for comfort.
Also - if you can tell where the duct is plugged (usually the hottest spot and a lump) have her nurse with her chin pointed to that spot (sometimes you have to point their little noses there, esp. if it's on top!)
Susie said feed her more often - one more thing about that - for now - start her feedings on the affected side.
Massage in a circular motion toward the ni**le with your palm and fingers. You can also knead the area - from armpit to ni**le.
Lots of different causes. If you want to talk to me you can get my number from Michelle or out of the EF directory.
Praying you feel better soon!

G. said...

Courtney had some great advice! I had mastitis with Ava and the Doc told me to keep nursing or pumping on that side- even though it was excruciating. I also used a warm compress. It was very painful. I feel for you, girl! Hope you get better soon.

KT said...

I hope that you are figuring your infection out and that it is getting better...so sorry you got it again =(.

Jackson family said...

tarah,

I think we have all been there, but the best thing I can tell you is to feed her and make sure you pump. The warm showers worked best for me, because I relaxed all over. Try to stay away from the doctor if possible b/c they give you medicine and then you can't feed her.

Tarrah said...

Hi Tara, I've just cought up on your blog and I have to say that Jericho is so preciouse. She has a beautiful smile and I can't believe how much she looks like your husband.

I'm sorry about what your going through. I had double mastitis with my daughter and then with my son I had it 2 times also. It is a horrible thing to go through but keep with it. It may be that she isn't on a set schedual yet and your body is trying to figure out how much she will be drinking. Pump and compress some out at the end of feedings just to make sure she got it all. Your body will figure it out soon. But I'm with the others, don't go to the dr's they just want to give you meds. A lactation specialist helped me with my 1st.

I hope you feel better soon and I hope you don't have to go through it anymore. Take care of yourself.