Let’s face it, we all know that feeding your baby, no matter what method you choose, can be a difficult task. Whether you are trying to find the perfect formula for your sensitive newborn or figuring out how to get your baby to latch, it is hard.
Motherhood is hard, but you’re not alone. There are so many resources and support groups that can help, not just with education, but with finding that formula that may not be in your area, or just to relate to each other. That is why we write; to share, to relate, to make you not feel alone! So before I dive in, know that however you choose to feed your baby is best for you and your family, and whatever anyone else says is irrelevant.
My infant feeding journey…
…began nearly three years ago when we had our first child. I anticipated breastfeeding and took the virtual training classes. I was ready. However, I struggled with Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) and ultimately began exclusively pumping.
Fast forward to present day with our second baby who latched immediately. I finally got the nursing journey I yearned for. Although, teething is no joke! If you have gone through it you know what I am talking about!
One thing I never had to experience with our first baby was mastitis. Unfortunately, this time around, it got me…
Feeding your Infant When you Have Mastitis
My family and I had spent one afternoon at the pool and when we got home I was freezing; naturally because it was at least 92 degrees outside. I took a shower and went to feed our seven month old and found my chills to be getting worse. It came on so quickly and my fever spiked to over 101.
I took Tylenol and rested but my fever continued. I wasn’t sure what was going on. Did I have a virus? Would the girls be OK? That’s when I noticed the pain in my breast. The pain continually got worse and my breast began to swell and get red. I took a hot shower, pumped, nursed and it still continued to throb. Nothing was helping so I finally gave in and called my doctor. I was diagnosed with mastitis over the phone based on my symptoms, and within an hour my medication was ready at the pharmacy.
I had heard of mastitis but never experienced it, and never wish it on any of you. As I sat there with my toddler explaining that mama was chilly, telling her that I have to listen to my body and let it rest, we find the moral of the story. Listen to your body. Trust that if something is wrong you should seek help.
I was advised to not pump too much because I didn’t want to accidentally create an over supply. In addition, I was also told it was still safe to nurse and feed pumped milk while taking the medication; a relief indeed. Thankfully, I started to feel better within the next two days but I know that it could’ve progressed quickly and not been so easy to fix.
If you ever meet mastitis, know that you aren’t alone. It is painful and miserable but it will get better and you will be back to yourself in no time.
