Breastfeeding Infection

I woke at 12 am with the whines of my little one that disturbed the night. As he is growing he seems to have a sleep pattern. He wakes at 12 am whatever the time I tucked him to bed. Then, wakes every two hours after midnight. I am cosleeping him, as usual. Together with my toddler we sleep at the bed with me in between them. I place the baby a little farther from me and two hotdog pillows to nestle him. And sometimes I still put a pillow in between us when I am too tired and can't notice how I sleep and might roll over him.

I face the baby to feed him but before that I fixed the pillows first but to my surprise my right breast is painful. It restrains me to move because the pain radiates to my scapula to my neck. It feels so heavy and it gives me headache. I feel cold at the same time with fever, it is the flu-like symptom.

I managed to move and fixed my baby to nurse. I need to offer him the affected breast to release some of the pressure because it's so hard as a stone. Feeding my baby with the affected breast aggravated the pain. I had to tolerate it because it's the only way to feel better.

'tis already the third time.

Was it supposed to be an enjoyable journey? Yes, the breastfeeding journey? It is, but somehow there are moms especially new moms whose breasts are prone to infections. It's because they are not yet knowledgeable on the proper breastfeeding position. There are those who went through classes about what to expect on postpartum and one of them is proper breastfeeding technique. However, it is still different when it comes to actual.

When I had my eldest, I have suffered and endured much from sore and cracked nipples until the baby was two months old. I even got too anxious whenever he whined because it means I have to feed him again. With that I have to tolerate the teeth-grinding pain which made me cry while breastfeeding.

Due to sore and cracked nipples, it caused me mastitis. We went for a check-up because I am having flu-like symptoms. The pediatrician prescribed antibiotics because obviously it was infected.

And now again with my fourth baby, it is the third time already I felt this.

What is mastitis? It is a condition wherein the breast tissues become infected. The affected part becomes swollen, red, hot and painful with flu-like symptoms, headache and fatigue. A palpable hard lump can be felt.

Mastitis in Breastfeeding moms develop two to six weeks postpartum wherein breastmilk is high in production and the small baby can't consume it all. Bacteria grow in the stagnant milk.

Moms who have cracked nipples are at high risk of getting breast Infection because the cracks serve as a portal of entry for bacteria.

Clogged milk duct can also cause infection. So if possible feed baby when he demands starting at the affected breast to ensure that milk keeps flowing from it. Some babies sleep longer than two hours so wake him up and nurse.

Other than feeding the baby, mastitis can be prevented by using the proper nursing bra. Don't use tight fitting ones as it may cause the milk to be stagnant and can't flow freely.

Never pull breast when unlatching but insert a finger on baby's mouth to loosen his grip from the breast. Make sure to observe tummy-to-tummy technique when nursing and baby's mouth is fully open covering the areola but not on the nipple only.

When having mastitis, apply warm compresses to the affected breast. And because a mother feels really unwell, sufficient rest is needed. Take paracetamol for flu-like symptoms. Change brassiere or nursing pads when wet because it will become a breeding zone for bacteria.

Mastitis can occur repetitively just like what I have been experiencing. The baby is growing and he needs more milk but I have less milk production. My baby is becoming stronger in latching and my breasts crack when he fully emptied it but still he's not yet full and still latching.

Mastitis improves on it's own after a few days when the above mentioned are observed. However, if left untreated it may lead to breast abscess, a mastitis complication.

As for me who had experienced this one on my eldest child, it's worse than mastitis. So when a mastitis doesn't improve in a few days, consult a physician because antibiotics is needed.

Breast abscess is a pus filled lump under the skin by;which needs to be surgically drained. Fortunately, when the physician saw my condition before she advised me to sterilize a needle with hot water and prick it. The lump was still small that's why after draining it twice, applying hot compresses to it and with the help of antibiotics it got well.

Lucky are those who haven't experienced such conditions because when you are in the situation, you will be thinking of giving up breastfeeding and opt for formula feeding. A husband's or any family member full support is mostly needed in times like this because it is so hard to move. A mother who is experiencing this can't even enjoy cuddling her baby because of the flu-like symptoms accompanied with bady pain and headache.

Author's note

Breastfeeding is a journey where mother and baby's bond becomes stronger. It should not be stopped when a mother develops mastitis because breastmilk is still the best for babies. The infection, however is not passed from mother to child that's why it should not be stopped.

For first time moms who isn't experienced in nursing, consult a breastfeeding professional, midwife or other mothers on the proper breastfeeding position. Don't think of quitting breastfeeding because after the condition improves you will enjoy breastfeeding.

Nevertheless, breastfeeding or formula feeding know that you are a great mom.

11-22-21

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