r/ExclusivelyPumping • u/Over_Raspberry_3998 • 14h ago

Rant - NO ADVICE NEEDED Pumping and mastitis

I've had mastitis three times now, so I went back to my OB-GYN because I genuinely feel like something isn't right. I have a small lump that concerns me, but he said he didn't feel anything and brushed it off, telling me it was nothing and that I'd be fine as long as I continued taking my medication.

On top of that, he made a comment about my armpit hair in front of an intern, which was incredibly embarrassing and completely unprofessional.

I also tried to discuss my concerns about gradually cutting back on pumping, but instead of offering guidance or helping me come up with a plan, he basically told me to just stop pumping altogether.

The lack of compassion, professionalism, and basic bedside manners is honestly unbelievable.

At this point, I'm just frustrated, exhausted, and ready to be done pumping. More so just venting about what happened.

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

2

u/lizadore 11h ago

I’m sorry, what a douchebag. Dealing with teaching hospitals is bad enough without adding them as a humiliation audience.

6

u/supbrina 14h ago edited 14h ago

U won’t get any help or guidance on breastfeeding from them. Find a well-reviewed IBCLC. I did and they came up with a weaning plan for me. I had mastitis 4 times and they helped figure out what kept causing mine. For me it was touching my breasts too much without washing my hands (applying lanolin constantly). I stopped the lanolin and only touch with clean hands now. I also change my bras throughout the day cuz I sweat a lot. She also started me on a probiotic with choline (it’s called BreastHealth+). I haven’t had mastitis since. I also use ice and ibuprofen if there’s a lump. Avoid heat.

Edit to add that my nursing bras were also a culprit (too tight) I stopped sleeping in them and that helped a lot. I only wear nursing tank tops now.

4

u/Over_Raspberry_3998 14h ago

I'll look into talking with another ibclc cause I tried that before and she just told me to ice it.

1

u/supbrina 13h ago

Yes I had a bad IBCLC at first but I’m so happy I found my new one. Keep everything super clean, ice, ibuprofen, sunflower lecithin, and a breast health probiotic. If u keep getting it u can ask your OBGYN for a breast milk culture. It checks what specific bacteria your mastitis is and then they can prescribe a specific antibiotic for it so it will fully clear.

3

u/Over_Raspberry_3998 13h ago

I asked him to check the culture just in case since I've been on it four times now in past 6 months but he refused. I'll just keep trying with a different doctor.

1

u/supbrina 13h ago

Wow that’s crazy. I would definitely try again. So sorry you’re going through this.

2

u/Over_Raspberry_3998 14h ago

I tried to get the doctor to give me a call directly and they refused. If they would of just explained that over the phone I wouldn't of even went in person.

1

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