Juana Villegas: Nursing Mothers and Breast Infections Part III

In regards to Juana Villegas:

The Davidson County Jail must not have any mothers who have experienced nursing their babies. It seems like if they did, they would have let these guys know what hell it is to have a breast infection.

On the other hand, maybe they think it is ok for an undocumented detainee to experience this type of pain.

Some information on Nursing and Breast Infections from La Leche League

It is best to start treating a breast infection as soon as possible and it is safe to continue nursing on an infected breast. Studies show that the baby is not harmed in any way by nursing when his mother has a breast infection.

Antibodies found in the milk protect the baby from the bacteria causing the breast infection. Moreover sudden weaning makes the infection worse. Research on mothers with breast infections shows that continued nursing helps to clear the infection much more quickly. Follow the treatment outlined for a plugged duct: Heat, Rest and Frequent Nursing.

Generally if the infection gets steadily worse, or noticeable improvement does not occur within 24 hours, it is wise to contact your doctor who may prescribe an antibiotic. Even if an antibiotic is necessary, continuing to breastfeed is best for you and your baby. Most antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding. If an antibiotic is prescribed, be sure to take it for the whole course of the treatment.

With some types of breast infection, a doctor should be contacted without delay. For example, if both breasts are affected, if the nipple looks infected, if there is any pus or blood in the milk, if there are red streaks near the sore area, or if the symptoms came on suddenly and severely, these re signs of a bacterial infection that should be checked out by a doctor immediately.

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from WEb MD on Breast Infections/Mastitis

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is a breast inflammation usually caused by infection. It can happen to any woman, although mastitis is most common during the first 6 months of breast-feeding. It can leave a new mother feeling very tired and run-down. Add the illness to the demands of taking care of a newborn, and many women quit breast-feeding altogether. But you can continue to nurse your baby. In fact, breast-feeding usually helps to clear up infection, and nursing will not harm your baby.¹

Although mastitis can be discouraging and painful, it is usually easily cleared up with medicine.

What causes mastitis?

Mastitis most often happens when bacteria enter the breast through the nipple.² This can happen when a nursing mother has a cracked or sore nipple.

Going for long stretches between nursing or failing to empty the breast completely may also contribute to mastitis. Using different breast-feeding techniques and making sure your baby is latched on properly when nursing will help with emptying the breast and avoiding cracked nipples.

What are the symptoms?

Mastitis usually starts as a painful area in one breast. It may be red or warm to the touch, or both. You may also have fever, chills, and body aches. If you have these symptoms, call your doctor today.

Signs that mastitis is getting worse include swollen, painful lymph nodes in the armpit next to the infected breast, a fast heart rate, and flu-like symptoms that get worse. Mastitis can lead to a breast abscess, which feels like a hard, painful lump.

What increases your risk of getting mastitis?

You are more likely to get mastitis while breast-feeding if:

• You have had mastitis before.³
• You delay or skip breast-feeding or pumping sessions. When you don't empty the breast regularly or completely, your breasts become engorged or too full, which can lead to mastitis.
• You have cracked or irritated nipples, which can be caused by poor positioning or poor latching on.
• You have anemia. Anemia makes you tire more easily and lowers your resistance to infections like mastitis.
• Your nursing bra is too tight.
• You wear breast binders, which are used to suppress milk production.