Thanks to all who have sent references on immunological benefits of BF -
you're great!
I'm following the mastitis thread with interest. I have seen quite a few
abscesses - consequently the possibility of even one more makes me very
nervous, and my humble opinion is that this is an entirely preventable
catastrophe. I liked all the treatment guidelines for mastitis mentioned by
Becky, and use these too, plus cabbage in between draining/feeding. I wont
attempt to give recommendations over the phone, having found that what the
mom describes and the reality are frequently two entirely different things,
so I see the mom, daily if necessary until the symptoms are resolving well.
Symptoms can vary so much, and there is often no fever. My criteria is that
if symptoms have been present for longer than about 36 hours before the mom
has got around to seeking help and if the mastitis looks more than just
moderate I recommend Becky's recommendations *and* seeing a doctor who will
invariably prescribe an antibiotic. If mom has called for help quickly we
focus on frequent and efficient drainage (and all Becky's recommendations)
and I follow up the next day. This usually results in a noticeable
improvement, but if not then I refer to the doctor and hope he will
prescribe. I do hear what everyone is saying about wanting to avoid
antibiotics, and the possibility of Thrush. But in my very humble opinion a
Thrush infection is *nothing* compared to the nasties that will follow with
an abscess - dreadful pain, reduced milk flow, dithering about while
everyone makes up their minds about whether it is an abscess or not, scans,
hospitalization, surgical drainage, leaking milk for weeks (and I mean
weeks!) through the incision - it's awful! On the other hand, if the mom is
motivated to keep the affected breast very well drained *and* has an
antibiotic, then the whole thing is just about over within 48 hours.
Pamela, Zimbabwe
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