Okay, a quick run-down of some things that I have found which might be helpful when considering
Prior Post
First off, I have explained some of the dangers of certain antibiotics in a previous post, Antibiotics and Breastfeeding. Not that antibiotics are always bad, but I can’t stress enough that you really ought to look into things seriously if you want to maintain optimal health for you and your infant. Sometimes antibiotics are incredibly helpful.
Secondly, learn the facts for your sake and your baby’s don’t just blindly take somebody else’s word for it, not even mine.
Thirdly, if you were to avoid antibiotics, what might help?
Alternative Remedy?
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Well, I don’t know if it is necessarily an alternative, but the following abstract (linked) suggests that manually stripping the breast/s of pus (mastitis) is helpful in preventing abscess. Actually, to quote it says:
- I find it helpful to find a quiet, private place to be for a length of time because sometimes it’s hard to get started. The let down (getting the milk to come out) can be very different manually than it is when your baby is requiring it from you.
- Relax as best you can, and if necessary, find humor in the situation rather than embarrassment. It is a helpful and necessary remedy, no reason for embarrassment at all actually. (I’ll admit though, I have gotten a touch pink before; like the first time my hubby walked in and had a surprised expression on his face.
)
…manual stripping of pus from the infected breasts of lactating women appears to be effective in preventing breast abscesses.
As a breastfeeding supporter and soon to be breastfeeding again (I’m due November 25th, 2009), I think this is a good tidbit to know. As a dairy farmer’s daughter, I can also tell you that this method is used for the cows too; in efforts to keep antibiotic use down in the herd as well (antibiotics in the milk mean the milk should not go in the tank for sale, which means the farmer looses precious income).
Manual stripping isn’t really easy, but when it comes to the health of me and my
Other helpful tidbits
- The bottom of the 18th page of this PDF excerpt discusses mastitis causes and management.
- warm compress to help stimulate let down,
- soothing showers, and
- gentle massage as well.
They wisely suggest
These things can help if you are having a hard time with manually stripping pus out.
Later in the same section, they also discuss the use of antibiotics, and it seems my opinion does not stand alone. (That is because I do my research folks. It pays to do good research, really.) 
Now, because I like what I have read in the excerpted chapter linked above, I’m going to go look for the remainder of that book. If anyone has it or knows what it is, please let me know in case I don’t find it. As you know, I love a good resource. 
Keep on learning.
*Sheilah*
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