7 bouts of mastitis, tried everything, Help!

QUESTION: I need help! I'm passionately committed to breastfeeding but for the past 5 months I have had about 7 bouts of mastitis. I've been on Keflex twice and Dycloxicillin(sp?). The rest of the times, I have gotten over on my own. I've done lots of research and I have tried just about everything. Heat, ice, rest, frequent nursing, no tight bras, not overdoing, changing positions.

I had an ultrasound that was normal about 2 weeks ago. I have just recently started taking 2 tbsp of lecithin daily. I was already taking vitamin C 500mg once a day and my prenatal vitamin. If you have any recommendations for chronic mastitis, I would appreciate it. I should also mention that the last two times I got it on one side then two days later it went into the other breast. Three days after that my systemic symptoms go away. Is there any significance to having it in both breasts?

Thank you very much for your help.   Rose

Rose,

You sound like you have been through the mill! How frustrating to know you are doing the best for your baby, but your body is going through so much! I know when i had breast infections, I would get pretty depressed - thinking I'd NEVER feel good again!

I have been watching a lot of information lately on repeated breast infections, and it sounds to me like you've been doing everything right. There have been concerns that some are staph and some are strep based, so the medications which are correct for one aren't for the other. Keflex is effective against Staph and strep, and Doxicycline against strep and others... Have you ever had nipple abrasions or cuts which would open up your breast to infection?

Is it hot and red and sore? Some Lactation Consultants have had to have moms checked repeatedly before the abscess was found. Repeated ultrasounds finally located it - then ultrasound treatment was more effective than antibiotics...

One of the physicians I'm in contact with recommends cephalexin 500 mg four times a day, but only after the cause is identified...

I knew an MD in Indiana (he died a while ago, but I have been at this for a LONG time) who finally found he had to keep some moms on "prophilactic antibiotics". this meant keeping a low dose of the medication for weeks and even months. this is of great concern now due to the risk of thrush infections (a yeast infection), which are more common in the presence of antibiotics. However, it did seem to work for some moms.

Yes lethicin has been very helpful for some moms, so keep on taking it.

sorry I couldn't figure out a "magic bullet". I know this is terribly frustrating....

Jeanette Panchula, BA, RN, IBCLC
Vacaville, CA

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