RE: [ozmidwifery] Mastitis question

[Nicole Carver]

Title: Mastitis question

Hi, Normally you should breastfeed from both breasts with mastitis. The only exception, and I may stand corrected, is strep infection. The breast is very red, not your typical mastitis. It is very painful and you feel quite ill. I have not seen mastitis at 22 months. It might be precipitated by something else, as usually the feeding would be fairly trouble free at that stage, I would imagine. When a woman has mastitis the milk needs to be kept moving. Babies are best for that! Expressing is really just the tip of the ice berg. A little blood does not hurt. If the baby vomits a little blood there is no harm done. Obviously if there is a lot it would be best to discontinue for 24 hours or so. The breast must be emptied though, or you run the risk of abscess formation. Sometimes the antibiotics taken by mum will upset the babies stomach. However, I suppose they are also protecting them to some extent. Regards, Nicole. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of sharon Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 12:24 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Mastitis question where i work we encourage women to express on the side that they are infected and continue feeding on the other side until the infection clears, the infection should be treated by antibiotics and if severe admission to hospital for iv antibugs. if the breastmilk has blood in it we discourage any breastfeeding whatsoever and get the mother to express all feeds until the infection passes she then can resume b/feeding when she feels better but ensure that the breast is always empty after feeding. regards sharon ----- Original Message ----- From: Megan & Larry To: ozmidwifery Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 10:03 AM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Mastitis question Can a mother pass on her infecton to her breastfeeding child when she has mastitis? Its just that I had what to me was obvious mastitis on Sat, quite a decent case of it, very sore breast, redness, fever, vomiting, quite ill. Still recovering on Monday when my breastfeeding 22 mth old developed a fever and vomiting. This morning he is quite recovered but no doubt will need a very quiet day still. So, is this a coincidence, or can the child become infected too? We were both rundown form a busy few weeks, so the rest was well needed, just wanted it without the misery. Thanks in advance Megan