Mastitis WAS Re: I need HELP!
Since it's been about 10 days, hopefully you're feeling better already? I've checked my Botanical Medicine for Women's Health textbook (tried to scan the page but the file was too big), and it suggests getting medical attention after 72 hours if symptoms worsen, abcesses form, or if treatment doesn't lead to adequate results. I can't remember, were you applying heat (compresses with ginger or chamomile, warm bath)? Resting, keeping your fluid intake up?
Herbal suggestions (may be too late here?) include:
--Poultice of freshly grated white potato 2-3 times a day, "remarkably effective in reducing pain blockage, and inflammation". Remove when it becomes warm, usually after 20 mins.
--1/2 to 1 teaspoon echinacea tincture every 2-4 hrs depending on severity. "Continue for at least 24 hrs after all signs of illness are past. There are no known harmful effects related to Echinacea use during lactation."
--"For high fever, hot elder blossom and spearmint infusion (5g of each herb steeped for 20 mins in a quart of boiling water, covered while steeping) can be taken, 2c consecutively, to help break a fever. . .These herbs are considered safe for short duration during lactation."
--"Gentle antispasmodics such as lemon balm, chamomile and catnip may be sipped to relieve muscle tension associated with fever. . .There are no known harmful effects related to short-term use of these herbs during lactation."
I'd better get going, but I also found it really helped to BF in a really relaxing situation - for us, in the warm bath. It was difficult to relax, thinking about the mastitis (which didn't get as bad as yours - fever sounds like there is/was an infection), but it helped get things moving somehow.
I hope you are feeling better.
emumma