This is not a medical document.

Breast Infections:

I'm not certain why you get breast infections, I suspect that fatigue has a big part, but I haven't been able to pinpoint anything else too obvious. There have been times with some of my babies that I have gotten breast infections quite often. With other babies I haven't really had too many problems. I have never gotten a defined reason from my doctors. At any rate, there are times that you may get a breast infection though.

Redness on an area of the breast is one of the main signs of a breast infection. This area will be tender and usually warmer (feverish) than the rest of the skin. Sometimes there may be some lumpiness in the breast, and of course, pain or discomfort.

There were times when I had a breast infection that I made me feel sick all over, flu-like. Maybe I had the flu and it turned into an infection, I'm uncertain. I do know that the infection was noticeable before the flu symptoms were noticed. I found that if I listen to my body and took care of the problem before it got bad, I got over it faster, with much less discomfort. If I discovered an infection soon enough, I could take care of it without medication. I don't like to go to the doctor, especially for myself, unless I really need it. I would rather let my body work naturally to fight off disease and go to the doctor only if it is necessary. If you feel extremely sick and your breast really hurts and it is very uncomfortable to feed the baby, make sure to call your doctor. If you have to go to the doctor for a checkup, the medication that he will prescribe will usually take care of the problem quite quickly. If you have a bad infection, going to the doctor will make all the difference!

Some of the other things that I have found helpful are:

• A hot soaking bath.

Relax and enjoy this break and know that you are doing some good beyond the relaxing. The warm water will help to open up those ducts making it easier for the milk to flow when you are feeding your baby, thus relieving the lumping.

• Apply a hot pack.

Fatigue is a big factor and rest is major part of the cure. Also, when you are resting, your body can concentrate more on healing itself.

• Nurse your baby.

Feed a little more often than normal to work the milk out and keep the breast as drained as possible (your baby will probably love it, mine have). A lot of times I have laid down to rest while nursing the baby to take care of two things at once. Keeping the breast drained also helps prevent more milk from caking and lumping up.

• Follow your doctors' advice.

Of course, he will hopefully be able to help you to get back up on your feet in short order.

Plugged Ducts:

Plugged ducts are characterized by a lumpy breast. Usually the lump runs from the nipple up the breast and is usually in only one area. There is no apparent redness present, with no noticeable fever in the breast. There is pain in the breast, especially in the area of the lump and some tenderness. Fatigue seemed to be a big factor in getting plugged ducts also, for me anyhow. When I got a plugged duct, I nursed my baby as often as possible and for an extended time to loosen and unplug the duct. Also while nursing I massaged the breast with the hand that is not supporting the baby, helping to work the lump out, or both hands if you can secure the baby from falling.

It is really important to keep the breast well drained by extended feedings. I don't enjoy pumping my breast but that is also an option. Breast feeding your baby worked much better for me than self expressing the milk, and it resulted in a lot less discomfort. Continue this for a number of days, until you're feeling back to normal. If you discover a plugged duct at the onset you may be able to avoid a breast infection, which it may result in otherwise.

It also helps to soak in a bath. Tell your husband or children that this is something that you must do. This makes for a nice excuse to lay and relax in a nice hot bath, and but it works!

One of the most important things that you should always try to do, especially with a plugged duct or breast infection, is to relax while you're nursing so your milk can "drop" more easily. I admit that this is not always possible. Life gets hectic and goes on whether you're feeling under the weather or not. Just be patient and work through the problem. Make the commitment to yourself that you will nurse your baby and then you will overcome these set backs. You wouldn't want to lose this precious experience because you get impatient with problems that can be overcome.

Good Luck.