Sunday, January 2, 2011

Dirty

I mentioned right before New Year's that I had another round of mastitis. Believe me, I had the same reaction you had, AGAIN? Because seriously, there are few mamas out there who get it four times in three months. You probably wonder, is it really mastitis or just blocked ducts? Yes, all four bouts have been full blown mastitis with high fever, chills and shaking, and a red hard cone shaped spot on one of my breasts. Here is what gets me...


Of the four visits I have had with different providers, every one first asks me if I am thoroughly cleaning my hands and pumping equipment. Let me tell you that at this point, I want to SMACK them when they ask me this.


Yes, I know they are doing their jobs. 


According to WebMd, "Mastitis most often happens when bacteria enter the breast through the nipple. This can happen when a nursing mother has a cracked or sore nipple. Going for long stretches between nursing or failing to empty the breast completely may also contribute to mastitis."


So for round one and two I imagine that having a cracked nipple and producing more milk than my kiddo was eating caused the mastitis. But after this point, I had educated myself and essentially switched to eping (exclusive pumping). My husband would walk in when I was pumping and cringe at the sight of me smooshing my boob in an effort to make sure that every possible drop of leche was squeezed from the girls. Additionally since the very beginning, my cleaning routine for my pumping equipment included not only washing it every time with hot, soapy water, but also using the medela bags to sterilize it at various points during the day. The skin around my fingers cracked between the copious amounts of hand-washing along with antibacterial goop I slather on afterwards for good measure.


So, when a health provider insists that mastitis occurs from bad hygiene, I have to hold myself back not to completely lose it with them. Now I just picture angry birds blowing them up (very addicted, must stop playing). I am not dirty!!!! 


Besides giving me a huge dose of Ibuprofen and antibiotics, the professionals really seem to have no answers for me. I'm suppose to go in sometime this week to discuss what we can do to figure this shiznat out. Really, you might do a culture or something? Wow, go all out for me docs. 


The bummer for this time is that the doc put me on antibiotics that I can not breastfeed with which has sent us dipping into my freezer stash. I'm grateful I have my treasure trove, but I don't think there is quite enough milk to get me through the ten days + 1 to let the drug clear my system. These pills also make my stomach hurt all of the time despite the fact that I'm following the instructions and taking them with food. Good times! 


Despite this, my little man is doing great. I'll post soon about him!


xoxo

9 comments:

  1. That SUCKS, girl!

    Why wouldn't he give you antibiotics compatible with breastfeeding? That makes no sense to me.

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  2. For your belly, look into Lactobacillus. I've been on it for the past month (3 x day) with all of my antibiotics and its been a life saver in the gut department. When I was in the hospital I got it in pill form, but when I was sent home and got it from the pharmacy it came in granular form. I'm a big texture freak so I gagged at the grittiness of it but now I stick it in some applesauce and its no big deal. I think you can get it without an RX but may have to ask the pharmacist for it.

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  3. I have no advice to offer, but just wanted to say hello. Hello!

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  4. I missed you! My husband kept talking to me every time I was on the computer during the holidays, so I gave up trying to follow or respond to blogs. ((HUGS))

    And just slap them next time they suggest you're dirty. With your crack, overly-washed and antibactirialised hands. Really - idiots!

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  5. What's with the non-safe antibiotic??? Grrr. Man, you are really going through it! You poor thing. And Little Man doesn't have a clue how much you are going through. Lucky little boy. Keep plugging along! Thinking about ya!

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  6. You're a good girl, but those whore nipples of yours....next time just tell the doc the truth, that you let the dog clean the pump equipment with a few good licks and then stash it in the junk drawer in the kitchen, along with garbage bad twisty ties and Halloween candy from 2008, until next use. Right?

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  7. Ugh...so sorry about all this! I had two mastitis so far and its not fun...so I hear ya! Its so hard to function when you're not feeling well and on all those meds! I hope you're feeling better soon!!!

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  8. Hi Jenicini, Drop me an e-mail so we can chat. bjhinga@comcast.net. It was so sweet of you to inquire about me and your baby is so adorable. I'm so happy for you.

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  9. Hey Jen -- my being a jackass in the comments has bitten me in the butt, as I now have a raging case of mastitis (red hard spot, tender, several red streaks appearing (unless they're bruises from the pump flange, or something), OW OW OW, flu-like symptoms started last night). I put in a call to my OB/GYN to see if they can phone in a script for me or squeeze me in to see me first if need be, but I beg of you -- an advice on how to deal with this? I feel like shit and my boob hurts soooo much, yet I have to keep nursing and pumping.....gah! My email is jnmacgreg@yahoo.com. Thanks, babe!

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