Mastitis

The evening of the balloon release, I started feeling a little blah, but I figured it was just because of being stuck out in the cold for so long, so I didn't pay much attention to it. I felt worse when I woke up on Sunday morning. I had flu symptoms and tenderness in my breasts. (I don't mind sharing because if you know me, you know I'm a big breastfeeding proponant.) It got worse as the day progressed, and I started suspecting that I had mastitis, which is a breast infection that usually starts out as a clogged milk duct. It made perfect sense because I'd recently made the decision to start weaning Evie. If you'd asked about the possibility of weaning before a year old a few months ago, I would have told you absolutely not. However, Evie started rejecting nursing from me almost as soon as I went back to work full time. I think that she's gotten used to eating from a bottle, and she isn't patient enough to wait for the letdown anymore. At any rate, I guess I was weaning a bit too quickly, so that was the cause. I confirmed the diagnosis with a lactation consultant at Ochsner, and started treating the symptoms. I'm happy to report that I'm doing a lot better. I've also started nursing only once per night, which is the perfect balance for me.

This whole experience has been very eye opening. The Teresa I was before Evie's rejection started was always somewhat judgmental of women who chose not to breastfeed. I secretly felt that they were making a selfish choice. Now I am much more open minded. Breastfeeding is EXTREMELY difficult, which I learned quickly with Nile. When the baby fights you, as Evie does, it gets even worse. I was at a point when I was completely stressed out, which wasn't good for anyone. A happy mama makes for a happier baby. Lesson learned.