Breastfeeding and Having Mastitis

Just like I promised, I’m here to share some info as well as share my experience with mastitis. Are you familiar or have heard what mastitis is? Well, I personally haven’t heard of that condition until I personally experienced it. As a new mom, there are lots of changes that I have to adapt to. While there are some adjustments that I can easily come to terms with, there are some that take quite some time to adjust to. Experiencing mastitis is one of them.

When I was pregnant, I was excited to breastfeed my little one. I have heard all the good things about it—how it creates an unbreakable emotional bond between the mother and the baby. And truly, nothing can compare to the experience of having the opportunity to feed your child. It’s just unbelievable how our body can change and all of a sudden create a supply of milk to provide what a baby needs. But if there’s one thing that I am not ready for, it is the painful condition that is called Mastitis.

If you do not know what mastitis is, it is an infection of the breast tissues that causes redness, swelling, excruciating pain, fever and even, chills! Sadly, I experienced all of the said symptoms. A few days after our baby’s first month, I noticed a lump and swelling in my left breast that won’t go away. I keep breastfeeding and still, it hit me hard and fast. Shortly after I had joint aches, chills, and then a spiked fever higher than 101. I had to greet my mama (December 12) a happy birthday from my hospital bed. On top of all that, I feel inexplicable pinching pain every time I try to feed my little one. It was heartbreaking and discouraging.

Manual Pumping while Breastfeeding

The infection comes as a result of clogged or plugged duct. There are plenty of things that may cause this condition: the most common is when a baby does not latch to the breast properly, or a tongue tie which results to having a hard time emptying or sucking the milk out of the breast.

I have consulted my obstetrician and had been given tips to manage my “supply” to avoid engorgement. OB and Lactation Consultant have both advised me to try out sunflower lecithin to thin out the milk, heat and cold compress, as well as massages to prevent the condition from occurring again. Unfortunately, it came back and this time on my right breast. UGH!

Using Milkies Milk Saver to Collect Drips

I came to a point that I’m ready to give up on breastfeeding (and I felt so guilty when I almost did!) just so I can end all the pain that I am feeling. Total MOM GUILT!!! But every time, I take a look at my baby, and I see how happy he is when he is breastfeeding, I always find the courage to push through! That sweet little smile and cute little eyes always give me the strength to continue. The bond that it created for us melts away all the worries I have and provides that strength I never knew I have so I can continue to press forward.

To date I am still on medication to fight any infection from happening, pain reliever to combat the pain, and still breastfeeding as well as pumping to empty my breast properly. What I have noticed is that I tend to have an extra feeding a day and so I have been collecting and freezing. I am trying to wean off that extra feeding so I produce just enough to avoid engorgement and repeat mastitis.

According to my doctor as well as the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC) I spoke to, mastitis can reoccur. While it is not the case for most mothers who breastfeed, I already had it twice. It is heartbreaking and VERY painful but I’m willing to go through mastitis any time as long as it means that my little King would be healthy, happy and content!

Are you looking for a formula to help you supplement? Whether it’s temporary or permanent, feel free to check out my post Save Big While Caring for Your Little One with Member’s Mark NON-GMO Infant Formula … and feel free to let me know if that helped you out as well.

XOXO