Baby's Rejection of Breast Fever = Mastitis?

Question

Say it isn't so. Ugh.

My ten week old son has been favoring the right breast over the left for a few weeks now. I assumed it was normal, as I've read that many babies prefer one breast over the other.

Just last night, though, I developed a low grade fever of 100 degrees (It's "low" but just high enough to make me feel like total c**p). My left breast is slightly tender when I express from it (I tried to pump when my LO refused it again).

So, what's going on? Is this mastitis? A blocked duct? If I went to the doctor, how would they diagnose it if I don't have all that much pain on the breast? Are antibiotics needed?

Again, the pain is minimal and I don't feel a blocked duct, although engorgement has become a problem recently since my son's feeding less.

Advice?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Mastitis usually does affect only one breast, causing it to become painful, red and swollen. Some women may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills or aches.

There are two main types of mastitis:

non-infectious mastitis - which is typically caused by breast milk remaining within the breast tissue (milk stasis), due to a blocked milk duct OR problems with breastfeeding, and

infectious mastitis - which is caused by bacteria.

Though the symptoms of mastitis may discourage you from continuing to breastfeed it is important to continue. Regular breastfeeding will help remove any 'blocked' breast milk from your breast, should help resolve the symptoms faster and help prevent mastitis from becoming more serious.

The milk from the affected breast is perfectly safe for your baby to drink. Any bacteria that may be present in the milk will be harmlessly absorbed by your baby's digestive system and cause no problems.

With all this in mind, i think it would be advisable for you to see your doctor as you might need antibiotics.

Answer 2

The fever in you could possibly be an infection which would need antibiotics anyway.  You could have blocked duct which the doctor will know.  It is easily treated and you can still nurse on some antibiotics while others, you would have to pump and dispose of the milk until you were off of them.  DON'T GIVE UP!!  Breastfeeding is the best for baby!