Mum's picture highlights breastfeeding complication we don't talk about enough
'When a good boob goes bad.'
By Livia Gamble
March 09 2017
Breastfeeding is a beautiful opportunity for mum’s to bond with their children, but despite the many benefits, it’s not always “unicorns and rainbows.”
Birth doula Lindsey Bliss shared a picture on Instagram revealing a red, inflamed boob – a complication from breastfeeding that isn’t always talked about.
"When a good boob goes bad — AGAIN!" the mother of seven children wrote in her caption. "I literally wanted Dan to bring me to the ER last night due to the most EPIC engorged boob, full body shakes, and a crushing headache. On the mend today from my bed. Why does this keep happening?"
In addition to her swollen breast, she told Cosmo, she experienced other symptoms including flu-like symptoms such as milk duct discharge, full body shakes, and uncontrollable teeth chattering.
Now, she's sharing her photo in hopes of bringing more awareness to the condition.
"You always see these flawless goddess photos of breastfeeding, and no one discusses or shows when shit gets crazy," she told the publication. "Yes, [you might think] breastfeeding is the best thing for your child, but it isn't always unicorns and rainbows," she says. "Sometimes it just sucks."
What is mastitis
According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association: "Mastitis is usually the result of a blocked milk duct that hasn't cleared. Some of the milk banked up behind the blocked duct can be forced into nearby breast tissue, causing the tissue to become inflamed. The inflammation is called mastitis. Infection may or may not be present.
"The best thing you can do is keep the breast as empty as possible.
“Your baby's sucking is the best way to do this. The milk is quite safe for your baby to drink."
If you think you have mastitis, see your medical adviser.
