amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

aslmere · 11-25-2005, 03:30 PM

I have been forced to suddenly give up breastfeeding in all forms (I was exclusively pumping for about a month). I can not discuss why and do not have the option of nursing again.

I need some serious help... I think I am getting mastitis.
It has been a week... the first few days I was pumping a few times a day just until I felt relief.
Then I wrapped myself up in a bandage....
but now I am having a fever and localized painful hard spots.

What can I do to treat/prevent/dry up?

I am in pain!

thanks

nina

annsni · 11-26-2005, 05:26 PM

I honestly think that mastitis is a nasty thing and is best treated with antibiotics. I just saw the breast surgeon today after having a mamogram and ultrasound and my lymph nodes are STILL abnormal after having a particularly bad case of mastitis almost 3 years ago. I have to see him every 4-6 months for follow-ups after that infection that put me in the hospital.

Get lots of rest and drink lots of fluids. Putting cold leaves of cabbage in your bra will also help dry you up - just put them in and leave them there until they get warm and wilt - then put in another. You may smell like cole slaw for a bit but it really does help. Use heat on the spot that's sore and massage it as much as you can. Try not to pump too much - just enough to pump off any discomfort and make sure you pump less and less each day.

I'm sorry that you had to stop with the breastmilk for your wee one. ((HUGS)) and I hope you feel better soon!

Ann

aslmere · 11-28-2005, 03:33 AM

Thanks
After I typed this I went to take a nap. I woke up feeling even worse and so called my provider and then went to urgent care center and got some antibiotics. I felt even worse the next day, but today I am actually feeling a bit better!

I didn't want to mess with it at all if it really was an infection and turned out it really was.

I have been able to stop pumping again. I really didn't want my body to think it needs to produce milk again. This time around for the baby's health it is best for him to get formula.

Thanks again so much!

Nina

DixieChick · 12-07-2005, 07:20 PM

To help dry up your milk
cabbage leaves from the fridge. Put them in until they get icky. Then trade.

You can also take benadryl or sudafed. They dry up mucous membranes.

I am sorry that youhave to give up breastfeeding. Congratulations onexcluisve pumping. It is my opinion it is MUCH harder to pump feed than straight from the boob.