After 3 babies and encountering EVERY breastfeeding problem there is, I have become very discouraged, but still would like to try with my next (I am 16 weeks pregnant). I am VERY prone to mastitis and candida (thrush) and need to know how to prevent or quickly treat these problems. I am a part of La Leche but our local group is small (3 people) and none of the women had experience with these problems. I'm out in the boonies and my midwife is 30 minutes away and my family does not offer support. Please share your advice if you've encountered problems like mine.
I've never been able to nurse past 2 months!
2007-10-24 04:16:53 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It's hard to stick with it when you are having pain from infections, and when the infection is cured with antibiotics, then you get yeast/thrush on the breast, and the more pain ensures! It's a cycle I can't seem to break.
2007-10-24 04:24:55 · update #1
I can sympathize. After all the breastfeeding problems I've had my husband thinks I'm crazy to keep trying with every baby.
If you prone to mastitis, then you have probably also learned that one breast is more prone to infection than the other. Keep this breast drained, either by letting baby nurse frequently on it, or by pumping. At the FIRST signs of mastitis (fever, malaise, aches, tenderness or redness on the breast) call your midwife and see if there is an alternative approach to antibiotics. If you must take the meds, get on an acidopholus regimen quickly, or go ahead and get an anti-fungal as a preventative.
Candida/yeast can be HARD to fight and painful, I know, but while you are taking the medicine and supplements for it, try to keep breastfeeding, or pump a lot through the worst days. Even if you are pumping 8 times a day, let baby take the breast at least 2 times each day so he won't forget or lose interest.
Then when you are feeling better (or in "less pain") you can start increasing the nursing sessions again.
Just be flexible when problems occur. Though some might disagree, it's ok to use bottles or pumps when nursing is too traumatic or painful. Just as long as you do what you can to keep baby interested and learning until you can go back to a normal routine again.
2007-10-24 04:28:10 · answer #1 · answered by Veritas 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you are already part of LLLI then there isn't anything we can tell you, that you don't already know. Make sure you have booby tubes (heating tubes for your breasts that are microwavable) to help with mastitis and plugged ducts. Other than the Lanolin Creams, Advil Soft Gels, Lotrimin AF (over the counter) for thrush and the correct Latch, there isn't anything else I know of. I had an extremely challenging time because of nipple soreness, constantly searched for answers, but just had to ride it out. My best advise to any breastfeeding woman is DON'T GIVE UP! It's an amazing experience and all you need is the will to do it and it gets better. My pain subsided after about 5 weeks and now everything is great!
Best wishes for a successful 4th breastfeeding experience!
2007-10-24 04:31:02 · answer #2 · answered by Cupid 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. I have had 2 bouts of mastitis and one thrush infection in the first 3 month of nursing my now 5 month old. Two resources that have helped me TONS is the book by Dr. Jack Newman Guide to breastfeeding and www.kellymom.com. With the mastitis I just made sure my DD nursed long and completely on the one breast as she could. The doctor said that if my daughter wasn't emptying my breast as well as she had been I would of had an abscess (with the first bought at 3 weeks). The thrush was only a mild case and we used nystatin. I made sure to wash my nipples off after every nursing session and to put meds on her mouth and my nipple 4 times a day (the nystatin). I hope this helps. It was super difficult the first 2 months but now nursing at 5 months is a breeze! Congrats on your pregnancy!
2007-10-24 04:27:12 · answer #3 · answered by lovelylady 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
My best suggestion would be to take time now to research research research these conditions. Don't wait until the baby comes and you need help to contact someone. Maybe look online for some breastfeeding classes or workshops you can attend. Check with the hospital for more information. Basically, learn everything you can possibly learn now before the baby comes. Take time now to travel and talk with someone who is more educated on these issues... or buy some books.
I know it is hard when you're in pain and struggling to breastfeed. I think the most important thing is that you're trying, and even if you only make it to 2 months, you have done your very best and that is all you can do. Never feel guilt as long as you tried... its those that don't try that should feel guilty!
Good luck!
2007-10-24 06:40:03 · answer #4 · answered by amber 18 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a few issues I had to deal with when breastfeeding my daughter, what got me to continue was research and talking to a lactation consultant regularly. I made sure to get on the internet and research any concerns or problems and in the very beginning I called the lactation consultant every week with questions. My daughter is 9 months old and I'm still nursing her, and I still call the lactation consultant at least 1 a month. Below are a couple links to help you research mastitis and thrush, once you educate yourself on what is required to help prevent these problems you'll be able to deal with it and continue to breastfeed. Kellymom is a really informative website for mom's who nurse.
If you are still only able to nurse for a couple months, just remember any breastmilk is better than no breastmilk. Congratulations and good luck.
2007-10-24 04:34:38 · answer #5 · answered by tracey 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It will settle down eventually - I remember the agony well. Apart from soothing creams, in between feeds, if possible, keep breasts uncovered, as the air will help to heal any cracks and soreness. Also, alternate putting hot and cold flannels over the breasts. Have you tried expressing the milk instead of directly breastfeeding? Can be a bit tricky to begin with but it will give you some relief and your daughter won't be losing out on any goodness. However, if you really need a break, bottlefeeding isn't the end of the world.
2016-04-10 02:25:34 · answer #6 · answered by Gail 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best advice my midwife gave to me was regarding this issue. She told me that at the first signs of mastitis, I should have the baby feed, feed, feed on that breast. Whatever you do, do NOT stop breastfeeding and do not use a pump (they don't clear the breasts as well as the baby can). And, if possible, do not take the antibiotics...you baby will clear up the mastitis on its own if you allow it to keep suckling.
I took her advice and my mastitis cleared within a few days without any medical intervention! (So I never had to deal with yeast from antibiotics!)
2007-10-24 06:10:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I very much know how u feel. With my first baby I wanted to breast feed, tried for two weeks, but I just wasn't producing enough milk or something, so I stopped. Soon after I developed mastitis, it got so bad I had to have emergency surgury to make an incision in my breast and drain it. It was a big odeal lasting about three months. I am now 14 weeks prego, and want to breastfeed again, but am very scared of this happening again. So I know where ur coming from, but I am sorry I don't have any answers for you, I'm as much in the dark as you are. I just wanted to let you know that your not alone, as I felt so alone going threw all of that. Good luck!!
2007-10-24 04:41:00 · answer #8 · answered by mz_n8tive_one 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can "rent" a breast pump from your local health department or hospital nursery when the time comes. Many insurances will pay for this. Also, check with your local WIC office. This will help to keep your breasts drained. Don't forget the warm compresses and showers to help relieve the pain from the mastitis. Massage helps too. Your local health department also may have a nurse that comes to your house free a couple times a week to check up on you. They are lactation consultants and are a huge source of support. Mine even helped me learn how to sooth my baby and I am a nurse and a mom. Good luck.
2007-10-24 04:38:40 · answer #9 · answered by standinglynx 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow, it sounds like you have really had a frustrating time of things! Good for you for reaching out and trying to get help.
I highly recommend the site kellymom.com for breastfeeding information. I'm including some links to your specific issues.
Have you tried joining an online support group? Yahoo groups has a number of great ones - here's the one I have the most experience with: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/breastfeeding/ . Where you are 'in the boonies' a bit of online support would be great for your situation!
I hope this helps!
2007-10-24 05:03:56 · answer #10 · answered by Ali 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋