by Beks
That fever I’ve been sporting for the last few days was actually Mastitis. It’s a crummy infection you get from nursing.
Tired, fevered, and in tremendous pain, I considered quitting. Formula would make things so much easier in my life. I went to Target, browsed the formula aisle, coughed in shock from the price tags, then pushed my cart straight to the ice pack section and went home.
The baby is fabulously healthy according to his doc, I’m couch surfing with ice packs and warm compresses, and my checkbook is safe.
Beks is a full-time government employee who enjoys blogging late into the night after her four kids have gone to sleep. She’s been married to Chris, her college sweetheart, for 15 years. In 2017, after 3 long years working the Dave Ramsey Baby Steps, they paid off more than $70K and became debt free. When she’s not working or blogging, she’s exploring the great outdoors.
Formula is crazy expensive… hope you feel better. I feel very lucky both my kids took easily to breastfeeding. It gets hard when you get back to work, but stay committed!
If it’s more than just a blogged duct (which can be horribly red, swollen, and very painful) you need to get on an antibiotic. Aside from that, you need to nurse, nurse, nurse, even if it kills from the pain. If it’s humanly possible, point baby’s chin towards the reddened side/area. This will help drain the infected ducts. Good luck and hang in there. Mastitis comes from incomplete emptying of the breast, so moving forward, empty the first breast fully before switching sides. And remember, you don’t even have to switch sides… use one breast, take a “burp” break of about 10-15 minutes, then put baby back on the same side to finish his feeding. If after the second try on the first breast he’s still hungry, then try the other breast.
Did not know that formula was so expensive. No wonder that they keep it in the front of some stores to keep it from being ripped-off.
Kind of sad if you think about it. That someone would have to resort to stealing formula just to feed their child.
My wife says that cabbage leaves actually help quite a bit.
I know you didn’t ask for advice, but drink a TON of water, as well. Makky’s Mom had great advice, too. Take care of yourself, Mama! 🙂
lol I considered quitting too and didn’t for the exact same reason. I just couldn’t justify spending money on something I could get for free.
If you DO go to forumla, there ARE major coupons out there, some for $5 bucks off a single can. (which when they’re 24-25 bucks a can you need) sign up on line with all of the formula makers and then you can trade coupons with other moms for the formula you end up using.
I hope nursing works out. I’m doing nursing and formula supplementing (i just don’t make enough milk for her) It was supremely depressing to have to do this, but the baby was losing weight. Nursing is a lot harder than they let on, right? I hope you feel better soon!!!
I agree about getting the coupons. Having them on hand just in case is a good idea. I think I remember they have a few month expiration date and they come every month or two so you would always have one on hand if you need it.
I’m sure you know all about nursing and as someone pointed out, you didn’t ask for advice. So I’ll just offer my moral support to you on sticking with it! You can do it! 😉 It is not an easy road…but so much cheaper, healthier, and more convenient.
Both my boys were/are breastfed and are the healthiest kids I’ve seen…no ear infections, few colds (and always minor and recovering quickly). We actually get comments all the time on how healthy they look. It sounds silly to me, but I guess it shows.
And I hope you feel better soon!!! It must be miserable 🙁
I had plugged ducts, which are nasty enough. If your baby can handle it, a couple cloves of raw garlic per day can help w/the infection. Anyway, just remember it’s not permanent, and let Baby nurse as often as possible to help clear it up.
mastitis is a bit nasty – I had it a few times as well
please don’t forget to spend some time on jack newman’s website – he is an amazing resource about everything with respect to breastfeeding – google “jack newman mastitis”
good luck!
I had mastitis before… Pure hell! Wise decision to bypass the formula aisle! Hang in there, it’ll get better soon enough!