Re: [ozmidwifery] Mastitis question

[diane]

Title: Mastitis question

I would second Nicole's advice regarding to continue feeding. I   t is inflamation, leading to infection of the breast tissue, not the milk. The bub is by far the best expresser!! Some babies will refuse the breast with mastitis, this is because the milk becomes more salty, as the pressure at the inflamation causes some salts to move into the milk. Sue Cox, in her book, Breastfeeding with confidence, recommends increasing the dietary garlic as this masks the saltiness and some studies have shown a preference for strongly flavoured milk, I imagine the anti bacterial properties would also be beneficial. Rest is vital, Mum and babe should take the phone off the hook, lock the door and both snuggle in bed until better, apply cold compresses to the inflamed area and ibuprofen can be used to reduce the inflamation.   Triggers can be being generally run down, pressure on the breast from tight clothes, bras etc, a change in feeding patterns, nipple damage. Many of which can occur at any time during lactation. Di (IBCLC) ----- Original Message ----- From: Nicole Carver To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, April 25, 2006 12:36 PM Subject: RE: [ozmidwifery] 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