Hello LACTNET wise women!

I am writing with permission.  I saw a mom in our free clinic this morning
and she has reoccurring mastitis, along with a recent diagnosis of lupus.
 Since it is a drop-in clinic, I didn't get a full history, but she had no
issues with bfing baby #1.  With this baby (#2) she had mastitis, high
fever, took penicillin and had allergic reaction which they believe
triggered the lupus (which was probably underlying, according to her care
provider).  Since then, she's had multiple cases of mastitis and is ready to
wean at 12 mo because she's exhausted from the lupus and can't take being
sick anymore.

We discussed strategies for reducing her risk for mastitis, and explored the
medications she's taking and compatibility with breastfeeding, but I'm
wondering if anyone has seen a correlation between mastitis and lupus?  A
quick search tells me about lupus mastitis (which I will share with her -
her presenting issue was a breast lump that she is having checked out by her
OB tomorrow).  At the most basic level, it strikes me that both lupus and
mastitis are inflammation issues, but I'm just speculating here.  Any
insight from others who have dealt with moms with lupus?

Thanks in advance for anything you might have to share!  She is open to
allopathic and alternative care plans.

Warmly,
Jeanette

Jeanette McCulloch, IBCLC
Director, Birthways, Chicago, IL
LLL, Ithaca, NY

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