This question is mainly for Maggie, but any input is appreciated. When I had my daughter, after nursing for about 2 weeks I got a really high fever and had to go to the ER for a breast infection. They never really told me exactly what it was called or anything, but they said one of my milk ducts was clogged in my right breast. They gave me some antibiotics and it cleared up. I got one again about 2 weeks later and I just called it in before it got bad and it cleared up again. I got my third one when my daughter was 2 months old and I basically couldn't take the pain anymore so I quit. I later talked to a lactation consultant and she was very surprised that they didn't help me more, as I was basically clueless as to what was happening. She said it sounded like I was overproducing? Anyways, she told me if I ever had anymore kids to give her a call and she would help me with it. Anyways, my baby is due in a week and a half, and my right nipple is starting to feel sore like it felt when I got the infections. Could I be getting one already? I dont have a fever and it doesn't hurt anywhere near as badly as it did, but still, it just has that feeling. Is there any way I can prevent this? I'm still going to talk to the lactation consultant from my hospital but I was just wondering Maggie's (or anyone's) opinion. Thanks
i have always been told that lots of hot compresses and massaging the area will help relieve and preven the clogged ducts. I REALLY overprodced and quit with Leane, too, especially since I could find any real help, and had awful infections, just like you. It's called mastitis. Mine were so bad, I had a fever as well, and I felt sick to my stomach. It was awful.
Eat a lot of garlic. And I mean A LOT!!! like 4 or 5 cloves a day. USe cabbage to relieve engorgement. http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/natural-treatments.html#mastitis kellymom.com has tons of breastfeeding info. Deinitly talk to an LC, make sure you have one you can call when the baby is born. ASK FOR HELP. It will be hard at first, but it will be so good for your baby and you if you can breastfeed this time. Good luck!!!
Your milk will taste fine! Eat lots of garlic, take a vitamin c suppliment, nurse on demand (the more the better) and avoid tight bras/clothing. If you do get another clogged duct-keep nursing!
Oh, in the beginning most women make TONS of milk. The milk comes in a couple of days after you give birth and your boobs get hard and lumpy and super-full. It sucks, but it will pass. Just nurse whenever the baby wants, and your supply will even out. The beginning is tough, but it really does get a lot easier as time goes on
