Post by twolittlecheers on Jul 30, 2014 0:59:09 GMT -5
I'm in the process of weaning and have been doing it really slowly. I'm down to night time and middle of the night (1/2). I'm pretty sure I've developed mastitis. The area is red and hot, I'm achy and sore. In also have hot flashes. I was planning in calling the dr in the morning. I should right? Is there anything I can do right now? I'm in so so much pain.
Post by rupertpenny on Jul 30, 2014 1:38:41 GMT -5
I would definitely call ASAP in the morning. In the mean time can you take some ibuprofen? Sorry, I don't have personal experience with mastitis, but weaning is giving me plugged ducts so I'm scared this will happen to me too.
You can take ibuprofen and tylenol together if you need extra pain relief. Definitely call the doctor! Would a warm compress make it feel any better? I know that mastitis can come about from not emptying the breast, so can you get the milk flowing with a warm shower/breast massage? I don't know if any of that will work, but maybe it would help at least until you can see the doc.
Definitely try the ibuprofen now, and I'd recommend calling your doctor's office now, if you can. There should be someone on call, and the problem with mastitis is that it can go from bad to worse REALLY fast. When I had it, all I had to do was call and talk to the doctor on call, and he sent in a prescription for antibiotics without me going in to the office. I don't know if yours would do the same, but mastitis is pretty common, so it's worth a shot.
I got mastitis last week...went from a minor clog to really red and painful overnight. I got antibiotics for it, but what really helped was being able to empty the breast. I used the baby (dangle fed) but a pump should work too.
Post by twolittlecheers on Jul 30, 2014 7:24:26 GMT -5
Just talked to dr. The protocol is to start antibiotics. I didn't have to be seen, they just called it in. I know it helps to empty the breast too but I'm trying to wean so should I continue with that? Ds are this morning and emptied both sides, I feel better but I'm trying to only feed at night so I know I'll get full during the day.
Post by rupertpenny on Jul 30, 2014 7:45:50 GMT -5
Do you have a manual pump? I'd probably use that on the effected side.
I'm tried annually expressing my sore boob today, I think I would break out a pump for mastitis though. I would NOT nurse because my kid has recently turned into a boob fiend.
I also don't really know what I'm talking about though, so keep that in mind.
I know you're trying to wean, but you really should try to empty the breast. Pump, baby, hand expressing, however you can. It might draw out the process of weaning a little bit, but as someone who had mastitis go REALLY bad, trust me when I say the extra few days is nothing compared to what you could have to mess with!
I hope the abx work quickly for you! Give them 24 hrs & if you don't feel a lot better, call your doc back.
Post by twolittlecheers on Jul 30, 2014 10:29:24 GMT -5
Thanks lilac. I let ds nurse and he emptied both sides. I'm still taking sudafed and using cabbage leaves so hopefully I gradually reduce milk production. I already feel better after letting him nurse.
Thanks lilac. I let ds nurse and he emptied both sides. I'm still taking sudafed and using cabbage leaves so hopefully I gradually reduce milk production. I already feel better after letting him nurse.
Fantastic! I know it sucks to drag on when you're ready to wean. You may need to wean a little more slowly. Babies get really efficient as they get older & he's probably getting a lot more milk than you think at each session.
When I weaned DS1, we first cut out the mid-day feeding, then before naps. I continued feeding him before bed & when he woke up until he was 18 months. By the time we stopped, there was no engorgement or discomfort. I liked being able to give him breastmilk, but I didn't have to pump or worry about wearing something because it's easy to nurse in it! You certainly don't need to drag it out that long, but I don't think most people realize that feeding only once or twice a day is an option.
Get as much rest as humanly possible today (some docs even recommend bed rest!) and feel better soon!
I'm so glad that you were able to get a prescription, and that you're feeling better! I don't have any advice on the weaning, but hope it goes well for you!