Weaning Problems: Itchy Breasts & Mastitis
Here are two more weaning problems you may encounter while weaning your child.
Itchy Breasts
When pregnant or breastfeeding, your body goes through changes and it can become more sensitive. The same thing happens all over again when weaning your child. One such problem is that of itchy breasts. It is important for you to understand that itchy breasts are not normal, and you are reacting to something. Do not try to brush off the problem.
If the itchiness in your breasts comes with redness or a rash, this is even further proof that your skin is reacting to something you are doing. The most common reasons behind this itchiness is that your skin has become sensitive to the detergent you are using, even if you have been using it for years. In this case you will have to stop.
Other reasons could be that you are allergic to the cabbage treatment, or the ice packs you are applying to your breasts to remedy engorgement are on your skin for too long, and the over exposure to the cold has caused your skin to react. Never apply the ice directly onto your breasts, and if using the cabbage leaf method, make sure that the leaves are chilled or lightly frozen. If the itchiness persists, you can try not using cabbage leaves at all and see if that helps.
If you have ruled out all of the above possibilities, and you have also ruled out being allergic to something you ate, consult your doctor. Itchiness can be a sign of infection, and you should attend to it early.
Mastitis
This is another common problem when it comes to weaning. Because your breasts are being emptied less and less, some of the milk can calcify and mastitis can occur. This will usually happen to one breast only, but in cases of weaning, it can happen to both breasts. If you have mastitis during weaning, see your doctor so that they may determine what the problem is, and what is behind the infection.
Mastitis that occurs during weaning will not resolve itself, the way it sometimes does when it occurs when actively breastfeeding. Be sure to follow your doctor’s advice and get a lot of rest. You may need to take an antibiotic in order to help your mastitis. If this is the case, you may have to stop breastfeeding, no matter what stage of the weaning process you are in.
Don’t put any pressure on your breast when you have mastitis, and try to restrict your breast movement in order for the breasts to be comfortable. Cold compresses work for some women, and you can try relieving pain this way too. It can be a while before the infection clears, but be patient and vigilant about taking your medicine, and it should clear up.
Apart from mastitis, another infection, thrush can also reoccur while weaning your child. You can follow the steps for thrush previously discussed in this book, but be sure to consult your doctor on the matter as well. Remember that when you have thrush, you may also have a vaginal yeast infection and you should attend to this as soon as possible.
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