Many antibiotics can have some anitimflamitory properties (bring down
swelling)  so whenever i have a Mom who is magically better in less 24 -- it probably
was not infection mastitis -- but inflammation mastitis (milk back up)
starting (fixed by moving the milk)  I always ask what has been different in the
mom's and baby's feeding/life pattern in the past 24-48 hours and can usually
figure out what started the whole process -- to help avoid a repeat performance
in the future.


I had an old slide from the us government that stated 74% mastitis will be
cured with rest and empty breast and it goes up to 96% if an antibiotic is
added.

I usually follow DR jacks recommendations on when to start an antibiotic.

-- 1st fix the position  -- move the milk -- and get Mom to rest (let the
dust bunnies go)  --- and as long as Mom doesn't spike a "real" fever or has had
the problem for over 24 hours -- no antibiotic may be needed -- providing her
nipples are not trashed.

-- i hate to give new couplets meds that they do not need -- because that
evil thrush -- always seems to show up -- within 2-3 weeks if not sooner -- in my
neck of the woods -- tooo many c-sections and too  much beta strep.  and
general over use of antibiotics  and when it does show up -- not treating both Mom
and baby -- together and long enough to make sure normal flora balance is
restored.


NOW onto depo shots and the mini pill -- it states in the depo insert NOT to
administer until after 6 weeks postpartum  -- there is a reason for this

-- one of which I have seen especially in 1st time young mothers (given the
shot before they leave the hospital) -- little or no milk supply. -- and even
when giving the shot later having moms end up with severe drop in supply --
that she does not have the time to try and bring up and maintain -- while the
shot wears off.

I have also seen moms who take the mini pill have their supplies disappear
almost overnight (2-3 days)  -- and have to stop the mini pill and feed or pump
like mad to get her supply back up.

In my practice -- I always warn that any chemical means of birth control --
pill, shot, cervical ring, or patch -- may have an adverse effect on one's milk
supply.

The only sure way is not to have sex (ha,ha,ha) -- and the next best way is
to use a double barrier method of a condom and extra spermicidal product -- and
yes there are different ones on the market -- if one product causes an
irritation -- the local pharmacist should be able to help find one with different
ingredients that will not irritate.



Anne F.Norton-Krawciw, RPh, IBCLC (doctoral candidate)
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant / Pharmacist / MOM!!!!
Breastfeeding Specialists, Michigan USA 586-939-8378 Fax 586-977-9535


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