Mastitis and eventually weaning from breast?

Question

About 2 days ago, my 2 and half week old baby boy latched on wrong and my nipples became very very sore (this happened when we first got back from the hospital but it went away eventually). The day after the sore nipple came, i developed chills, and a fever os 102 degrees. I had mastitis and was given antibiotics for the infection. The doctor checked my b*****s and there is a clogged milk gland. My first question is, how can i unclog this milk gland if i'm only pumping from that breast because it is too painful to nurse with?

Second question is; i would like to stop breast feeding in about 4 months because i will be going back to school and won't have time to pump during the day however, i'm afraid i will develope mastitis again. How can i avoid mastitis again?

Thank you in advance for the the answers.

Answer 1

I just went through this a few months ago with my baby boy.  First, apply warm to hot compresses on the part of the breast with the clogged duct.  This, along with massaging the area should unclog the duct.  

Also, if you want to nurse...here is what you should do.  Have the baby start on the clogged side first.  And have the baby's nose point toward the clogged duct.  So for example, if the clog is on the arm pit side of your breast, have the baby lie across you to feed, like the craddle position. The baby always suck the hardest on the first breast and according to my nurse, the upper lip is more forcful when it comes to sucking, so this combination should work for you.  It did for me.

And as far as weaning is concerned, give you and your baby about 6 good weeks.  This will help the baby adjust and you shouldn't become engorged.  I am weaning right now and have been for about 6 weeks. I substitute a new bottle once a week, and now I am down to a morning and a night feeding.  Tomorrow I am giving up the morning feeding and next week I will give up the noght feeding.  Good luck    

Answer 2

Apply a warm compress to your breast and massage the area of the clog when you are pumping.  Depending on where the clog is you can push the breast horn against it.  Even after the clog is gone it may be sore for a few days, up to a week.  Make sure you are draining the breast all the way when you pump to help get out the clog.

I've also found that taking a comb or back of a brush handle to the clog while you are in the shower helps - push from the clog toward the nipple to help get it out, not too hard though or you will bruise yourself.  Sounds strange but works.

Make sure when you wean your baby that you do so gradually, for yourself and your baby.  Baby will need to get used to formula and you want to be able to gradually cut down on the sessions of nursing and replace with formula - don't do it cold turkey!