I had an interesting conversation with my midwife today.  She
mentioned that a client of hers with a 2-month-old had recently
developed mastitis.  Naturally I was curious what treatment the mw
recommended, so I asked.  She replied that in her experience,
mastitis and constipation are often linked, and so she "treats" the
constipation with appropriate water consumption and calcium-magnesium
dietary supplements, along with the usual increased fiber, etc.
Meanwhile she recommends self-care measures for the mastitis -- hot
herbal compresses, rest -- as well as frequent & thorough draining of
the affected side.  If things don't clear up in 24 hours with this
regimen then she recommends seeing a doctor for antibiotics.

This midwife is a lay (direct-entry) midwife with 20 years of
experience, as well as a bachelor's degree in biochemistry.  She is
current in her knowledge of all things related to birth, as far as I
can tell.  I trust her.  But I've never heard of a
mastitis-constipation connection before.

Thoughts??

Margaret
LLLL, Longmont, CO
mommy of Cade 03/98 and expecting 10/01

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html