(Medical disclaimer: Tips provided need to be considered in conjunction with medical advice. For immediate concerns, please contact HealthDirect (Australia wide) ph 1800 022 222 – to talk to a registered nurse 24hrs a day, and in emergencies call 000.)
Tips to avoid mastitis with my second baby?
- I had problems with the first and found the second much easier. Good luck
- I think its just one of those things 🙁 i was one to get recurrent thrush when breastfeeding, it was awful! 1st baby i made it a couple of weeks in excruciating pain before having to stop. 2nd time i made it 8.5mths! because i got onto the pain immediately! my advice is seek help from the lactation consultants at hospital straight away!!!! they will give you the best chance at being able to bf for longer 🙂 goodluck and all you can do is try your best. I know i was VERY nervous 2nd time since the pain i went through with the first, and i went through very similar pain again but luckily not quite as severe and we got in under control but it still took me atleast 3months to be feeding painfree, but that is just me 🙂 best of luck to you
- I think one of the things would be to know what to do at the first sign of mastitis, if you can treat any lumps quickly you may avoid it developing. Read this link and maybe contact the ABA for more info https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/common-concerns
- Here is another good link https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/breastfeeding/breastfeeding-problems/mastitis/
- I had same issue with baby number one and no issue at al with baby number 2 so maybe it could be to do with bubs effeincy as a breastfeeder? just a thought
- This isn’t advice as such but more a positive for you- I had mastitis 8 times during the first 8 months of feeding our first child, hospitalised once as well (ouch!) our second bub I expressed every feed and tube fed for the first 3 weeks due to her being prem but I haven’t had one case of mastitis this baby and she is now 12 months and still no sign of it- was so relieved as it isn’t pleasent to go through – GOOD LUCK 🙂
- I had it SO bad with my second… all coz i was a bit slack with holding her in the right position… they got cracked then eventually mastitis and it lasted forever!!! determined now with my 3rd and ive been making sure the whole nipple is in his mouth and i have been 9m masitis free!! when i had it it made me cry and cry in pain but i got nipple sheilds and although they were uncomfy they gave me a bit of relief 🙂 good luck!!! xx
- I don’t have any ideas for you but just wanted to say best of luck and good on you for not giving up! Good luck with the birth.
- I had it slightly with my second but my doc said just make sure you have emptied each one before starting on the next and if bub has just had a snack feed then perhaps express the leftover and freeze it .
- When your boob get a bit hard but is not time to feed yet, express a little and massage the lumps with your knuckles until they are more comfortable. my CHN was worried about me getting it as i had an oversupply and would have massive rocks as boobs alot of the time. I’ve avoided it by taking her advice and massaging out the lumps and most times making sure i don’t let them get so hard. good luck. x
- Try and massage each breast as bub feeds (if you start from the outside and work in towards the nipple, the Milk will flow more easily and not get blocked); try going bra-less as much as possible ( try maternity singlet tops instead); relax while you’re feeding and make sure your posture is correct ( you’d be surprised how much of a negative effect tensing your shoulders has!); express when you start feeling uncomfortable ( if bub sleeps through a feed); warm compresses can help too ( just a face washer dunked in warm Water and placed over whichever side is uncomfortable).
- Make sure whatever side baby finishes on, they start on next feed to drain the breast. Get fitted for a bra, or wear a soft cotton sports bra.
- Every time you feed massage the breast. Any sore spots or lumps massage in circles and push it down towards the nipple while the baby sucks, this way they remove any blockages before it gets to be a problem. I was shown and told to do this by every lactation consultant I have seen and it works, I just couldn’t continue due to supply issues but when I was shown how to do it I actually didn’t realise I had small lumpy sore spots underneath etc and all it took was that method and it never progressed in to mastitis 🙂 good luck
- I’ve just come to realize that some mothers are blessed and can breastfeed their babies with little or no concerns or complications and some mothers no matter how much they want to just aren’t able to breastfeed.. I know it upset me when I couldn’t but with the support of family I grew to accept it. I think a lot of pressure is placed on mums to breastfeed and I just wish you all the best 🙂
What are your tips for avoiding mastitis? Add them below.
