When you have an infection after a plugged milk duct called mastitis, you often have, chills, fever, body aches i.e. flu-like symptoms. It feels like a truck ran over you. Your doctor will most likely prescribe Cephalexin a.k.a. Keflex and dicloxacillin a.k.a. Dycill. The antibiotics, while often necessary for the infection can also make you feel tired. To help you get over mastitis quickly, make sure you are using heat, resting and emptying the breast.
Heat, Rest, Empty the Breast!
Use a hot compress before nursing and/or pumping. An easy one to use is a disposable baby diaper. Put hot water in it and it can also be re-warmed in the microwave for several uses until it become too saturated which will feel like jelly. Disposable diapers keep their heat in much better than cloth because of the micro-beads which retain the heat. These are similar to what is found in hot/cold compresses.
Rest as much as you can. You are sick and while you have a baby to take care of, try to stay off your feet and sleep when the baby sleeps.
Empty the breast. The affected area and breast needs extra attention. Nurse in a hold that points the baby's chin towards the plugged area. The baby's jaw and tongue will help draw out the plug. Pump after each feeding for an extra 5-7 minutes to fully empty the breast.
Taking an anti-inflammatory analgesic like ibuprofen a.k.a. Advil is good for reducing the swelling and pain management and is safe for breastfeeding due to the extremely low levels found in breastmilk.
Please ensure you watch for signs of vaginal yeast infection in you or oral thrush or diaper rash in the infant. Visit our blog post on yeast infections for more information.
Best wishes for pain-free breasts!
Tanya
