I have now had a total of nine breast infections – four with my first baby (all in the first six months) and five with my second baby. I heard a lot of rumours that if you had a few with your first, you may not have any with your second or any other babies. Apparently, that did not apply to me.

With my first infection, I checked all sorts of books to find out if I had the right symptoms. I then treated it to some degree at home, thinking I could avoid going to the doctor. I only got worse; feeling like I had the flu while my breast hurt like crazy, especially when my daughter was eating. Finally, I went into the doctor and was given a prescription for an antibiotic. Once on the antibiotics, I got better within a few days. After the second infection, I took the pills until I felt better, then saved the rest. I used those the third time I had an infection. At the time, however, I didn’t realize that it is very important to take all your pills every time you are taking antibiotics. Antibiotics stop working effectively when the full course is not taken (usually about a weeks worth). Even though it’s hard to keep taking pills when you feel better, it’s very important to do so.

With my fourth infection and all those following, I went to the doctor each time, often within hours of feeling like I might have an infection. My seventh infection occurred on Christmas Day, and even though I had packing to do for a trip, I made the drive to the emergency room while my husband took the kids to my in-laws to spend the day. Unfortunately, the next morning, I had a reaction to the antibiotics. We didn’t figure that out until a few months later, after two more infections – the second of which I was prescribed the same antibiotic (cloxicillin). The allergic reaction was so much like a gallbladder attack that we only recognized it as a reaction after lots of thought the second time. All this was after a number of trips to the emergency room and an ultrasound to take a look at my gallbladder.

Needless to say, I can only hope that I don’t get many infections with my next baby. I have done alright nursing while recovering – just nursing from the infected breast first at each feeding to prevent engorgement. Recently, I looked into what other options I might have to cure an infection, rather than taking more antibiotics. Someone suggested grapefruit seed extract, so next time (if there is a next time), I’ll try that first.

I had a doctor tell me once that the only way to not get infections was to stop nursing – but it’s never been worth it to me. By never letting one breast get too engorged (especially in the first few months), I can avoid getting too many infections, and by going to the doctor right away (at least in the past), I catch it and treat it before it gets really bad. I have yet to have an abcess (thankfully) and it does not appear to be clogged ducts causing my infections. My personal theory is that my milk supply is over-abundant and so is never really emptied (until solids are introduced after six months).

So if you’re faced with an infection, keep nursing and hang in there. With treatment, the infection should go away quickly, and even repeat infections, while obnoxious, aren’t so bad when treated as soon as possible.

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