Does Anyone Have Any Advice on Mastisis?

You are likely producing more milk than your baby is taking in. It can be a very frustrating problem, not just due to mastitis, but many of the babies are a little fussier than average, too.
You could try adding powdered lecithin to your diet. I am second guessing how I spelled it now, but you know what I mean. Sprinkle a bit of it over your dish that you are eating. It will help you to avoid clogged milk ducts. Also look at your bra and see if there are any tight elastic bands touching your breast anywhere. They can be the unrecognized culprit even in the fancy expensive nursing bras. I prefer for my clients to use a sports bra type of design if at all possible.
If you do still get clogged milk ducts, make sure to position yourself and your baby in a way that your baby's chin is pointing towards the painful area when they nurse (this may put you in some strange positions, such as leaning over your baby that lies under you, for example, lol)

Pointing the babies chin toward the sore area while he nursed helped for me. Also I rubbed the area while he nursed, which hurt like you know what but it definately helped clear up the problem quicker. I hope you feel better soon!

I'm glad to hear things are clearing up! Mastitis is SUCH a pain--literally *and* figuratively!

I just wanted mention something that no one else brought up because it can play a big role in mastitis. You mentioned that you never go more than five hours between feedings. Five hours is actually a very long space between feedings at this age. I wouldn't let more than 2-3 hours go between feedings at this age, except maybe one 5-hour stretch in a 24-hour period (for your sake, hopefully at night!)

Also, while cabbage leaves are a great way to unplug ducts, I would use them very cautiously....specifically because they *are* so effective. They are usually recommended for drying up the milk supply in women who are not breastfeeding or who are weaning cold-turkey. THAT'S how potent they are...not something to use lightly. With that in mind, I have recommended them (and used them myself) in extreme cases, but only for short periods and only directly over the plug. (Which would mean using only part of the leaf.)

And finally....for others who may read this (since you obviously already know this yourself!): If your doctor or your doctor's nurse ever recommends weaning as the solution to whatever problem you or your baby are experiencing, RUN--don't walk--as fast as you can away from him/her! Weaning is never the solution! Such bad advice only betrays how sorely lacking the American medical education system is when it comes to human lactation. You may as well ask your plumber or auto mechanic, because their schooling includes the same amount of training in human lactation as most American medical schools: ZILCH! (I had ONE class on breastfeeding in nursing school. That's one HOUR...in four years!) And that was more than my friend in medical school got!

For breastfeeding problems, please go to breastfeeding experts, NOT doctors!

I agree with all the other responses, especially the go see your Doc. one. You probably need antibiotics. And there are some out there that can be used while breast feeding, just tell your Doc.

But if you don’t need them, I know a really unusual way to help the problem. When I was in the hospital just after having my son, a lactation consultant told me that you can actually use cabbage to help! It has some anti-inflammatory agent in it You just put chilled and bruised cabbage leafs in your bra and it will help to unclog you ducts.—though it may stain your cloths so use and old bra and shirt
Good luck! I hope you feel better!

Get into bed with your son, and have a nurse in. Nurse him as long and as often as he will nurse on the side that is showing symptoms. Massage the spot while he is nursing. It will usually take 2 days for things to improve.

Hugs it's not fun but it can be "fixed"

Get to the doctor so she can put you on an anti-biotic to get rid of the infection. If feeding every 5 hours isn't enough, pump that side in between. Sounds strange but wearing a cabbage leaf in your bra helps.

I think that you should go to the doctor and have this checked out, just to be on the safe side. It is more than likely mastitis, but I would still suggest that you err on the side of caution, since everything else you have said did not work.

I had a horrible case of mastitis and had to be hospitalized. The symptoms just appeared overnight.....I had flu like symptoms and a fever of 104....after the entire day of flu symptoms, I finally noticed that one breast was hard...I hadn't had any experience with mastitis prior to that, but luckily my sister had. We called the OB (on call) and she phoned in an antibiotic RX immediately and then we followed up with her the next day. The OB recommended that I continue to nurse / pump on the infected side. As for preventing this - nurse regularly and hope for the best.

I recommend calling your OB - don't wait until they open.

There is already a lot of great advice. I just wanted to add my own experience with reoccuring plugged ducts and mastitis. I read an article in Mothering magazine that mentioned low iron may be a contributing factor. I had problems with low iron during pregnancy. I began taking Floradix (an iron suppliment) and I haven't had a plugged duct since :)

The homeopathic remedy "Phytolacca" is very good for fighting and especially good for preventing mastisis. If you live anywhere near a Better Health Store stop in and pick some up or call (888) 48-Better and order some.

If you already have a fever err on the side of caution and get an anti-biotic, if not the cabbage leaf in your bra will work wonders. Roll the leaf with a rolling pin to soften and put it in your bra. Start out with no more than four hours because it will drain your breast considerable. This works for any area of your body retaining water (ei. water on the knee, etc.).

I've gotten several plugged ducts, and mastisis once. What works best for me to "unplug" is a hot wet towel over the entire breast for at least a few minutes before nursing. Or nurse right after my shower. Also, like Wendy suggested, try "dangle" nursing. Have your baby lay on his back on the bed and kneel over him and nurse him! Try lots of different positions.

Look at kellymom.com - they have lots of good suggestions, including the correct dosing of lecithin to help prevent plugged ducts.

Good luck :hugs: