Mama’s Word on Preventing Mastitis by Charlotte Young
“A useful companion for all mothers…the book offers a range of practical ideas…as well as emotional support and reassurance in the stories from other women.”
The Australian Breastfeeding Association Book Review
How long does it take to unblock a blocked duct?
How gentle does ‘gently massage’ mean?
What about the emotional side of it?
How do I treat mastitis?
What are some home remedies?
I want to hear about other mothers’ stories?
This book is a must read for every breastfeeding mother - packed full of practical information about how to care for breasts and nipples in order to steer clear of the common breastfeeding challenges that mothers can face, such as mastitis, nipple thrush and blocked ducts.
The book also offers plenty of emotional support for the new mum through exploring the emotional aspects of mastitis and offering the open-hearted sharing of other mothers.
Mastitis Symptoms
It starts with a blocked duct and before you know it, you feel like you’ve been run over by a bus and you’re in bed with flu like symptoms:
Part or all of the breast feels extremely tender and painful, swollen and hard
A red blotch or streak over the site of the lump/sorest part
Fever/Feeling hot all over and/or chills and shivers.
Aching all over and headaches.
Feeling very teary, extremely sad and pessimistic.
Mama’s Word came into being two weeks after my daughter (babe number three) was born and I had mastitis for the last time. I was lying in bed (as you do when you’ve got it) feeling very messy and rereading my mother and baby guides—great thick tomes of wisdom that dedicated all of two or three pages to mastitis—where was the information I needed to help me get better?
In the spirit of days gone by, where womanly wisdom was passed from one generation to the next by word of mouth, I felt compelled to share my own experiences of mastitis and to collect the words of other mothers who have dealt with it. Within our stories are treasures and tools reminding us that we’re all in this together. And although this little book won’t be the definitive guide to end all lumps, slumps and fevers, it will offer great power and support to breastfeeding mothers who may be facing similar problems to those found in these pages. As is true for all aspects of mothering; the good, honest, heartfelt sharing of our stories can lighten our load.