Some doctors here in my town in Germany persist in prescribing a weaning
medication, Kirim (not bromocriptin)and a glass - ball pump for the
affected side at the first signs of mastitis, with the instructions to
return in 2 days if not better for antibiotics.  What is the rational
behind recommending a weaning medication?  The doctor's argument about not
giving the breast is because he doesn't want the baby having bacteria.  Of
course, he has no way of knowing at this first visit if the mastitis is
caused by bacteria.  He reports good results with this technique.  But his
patient called me the next day for my advice.  The pump had caused a bruise
on her nipple.  I told her what we recommend, as well as rest.  That
afternoon she felt better believing  the rest had helped a lot.  She had
also discontinued the medicine and returned to comple BFing.    Thanks for
any help!
  
My sister just sent me a beautiful book, "A History of the Breast" by
Marilyn Yalom, Knopf Publishers, 1997.  Wonderfully illustrated - can't
wait to read it!

Basking in the heat - at last - as the kids begin 2 weeks of vacation,
Anne Kaeser, IBCLC  in Kaufering.
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