Mastitis - Signs and Tips

My Mastitis Story

When Katelyn was about six weeks old, we were farming in the Far North with no family nearby. I had a five-year-old and a seven-year-old as well, and Warren was away.

Then my breast started getting sore. It felt like a hot line down the side of my breast from under my arm.

At first I thought it was just a blocked duct.

But then came the deep ache. The hot, throbbing pain. The flu-like chills. And the overwhelming exhaustion on top of newborn exhaustion.

Took myself to the Doctor and he gave me some antibiotics and it slowly went away. However after my last email a couple of Mums reached out with their stories, they were not as lucky as I was and needed surgery. That's a lot to deal with when you have a little one to take care of as well.

I remember sitting there thinking...why does no one tell you about this?

What stayed with me most wasn't just the pain —& was the loneliness.

Feeling like I was trying to hold everything together while my body was struggling.

That's why hearing from other mums matters so much and Laura has shared her story that helped her through her mastitis.

💛 Feeding - keep feeding on demand or as you normally would do while you have the blockage is important.

💛 Sunflower lecithin supplements; – recommended by lactation consultants

to help with milk flow and thickness. She took capsules, but said powder can be easier to add into smoothies or water.

💛 Ice for inflammation; – her GP suggested treating the breast like an inflamed injury. She iced for 10 minutes every hour during the worst of it, which helped ease the pain.

💛 Lactation consultants – something many new mums don't realise is that many areas offer free lactation consultant services. Even if breastfeeding is going well, they can offer incredible advice and support.

💛 Nipple shields for healing – she said they were a lifesaver during the healing phase, giving sore nipples time to recover while still continuing to feed. Lactation consultants are a great help in how to use these to properly assist your feeding.

Her message ended with something that really stuck with me:

"Breastfeeding was tough at times, but it hasn't put me off. Our bodies are amazing and I'd do it all again."

And that's the thing about mums.
We go through incredibly hard moments... but we also support each other through them. If your feeling sore, don't brush it over. It can be very serious and this Mumma needed surgery to help her out.
If you're dealing with sore nipples, mastitis, blocked ducts or just trying to figure breastfeeding out —please know you are not alone. Sometimes just talking to someone who understands can make all the difference and please don't dismiss your feelings. You know your own body better than anyone else.
Maybe:

• you're going through a tough breastfeeding phase
• you know a mum who is struggling
• or you just need a little extra support right now

Feel free to email me as support@tinybloom.co.nz
Because no mum should feel like she has to do this alone.
With love,
Lynelle x