I was just over 3 months postpartum and finally – TRULY – starting to feel more myself and like things were becoming somewhat manageable. I was starting to exercise again, get out more, and feel less stressed out being at home alone with the baby. Things were looking up!

Enter mastitis. Just when things were getting good, they got really bad, really fast. And I say really fast because one of the characteristics of mastitis is that it can come on very suddenly, and for me it certainly did.

If you don’t know what mastitis is, it is an infection of the breast tissue which causes pain in the breast as well as flu-like symptoms. If you google it, you’ll find that about 10% of breastfeeding women will develop it at some point, but I suspect that number is on the low end. When I posted about my struggle with mastitis on my personal social media account, almost every single mom I knew reached out saying they had suffered from it at some point. (This is why 10% seems low to me). The doctor who I saw when I suspected it said it is extremely common amongst breastfeeding women. Apparently, simply because we are lactating, we are more susceptible to getting these types of infections.

Another important thing this doctor told me was that it was not my fault. If you google it, you will find all sorts of ways moms are shamed and blamed into thinking they somehow caused themselves to welcome this infection. From poor latching to not feeding or pumping often enough, the potential causes listed are numerous. This made me feel like a failure at breastfeeding and a bad mom for putting my baby through me being sick. Which is why I cried at the doctor’s office when he said it was absolutely not my fault, and he tells all women the same thing. Again – simply because we are lactating, means we are more susceptible to bacteria somehow entering our breasts, which can lead to infection.

Anyway, it was Wednesday morning when I noticed the smallest most insignificant pain in my left breast. The kind of pain that reminded me of doing one too many push-ups. I had recently started working out again so this could very well have been the reason. While the tiny pain lingered all day, I ignored it. It wasn’t until 8:30pm that night, while I was sitting on the couch watching TV, that I started shivering excessively and felt like I had the flu all of a sudden. I instinctually went to bed and just covered myself in as many blankets as I could. I could not stop shaking – it reminded me of the shakes I had while in labour. That night I sweat through the sheets, was freezing cold, literally could not get up (fiancé had to bring the baby to me for feedings), and my entire body ached. I could feel my left breast becoming harder and it felt hot to the touch. It got more and more painful throughout the night.

The next morning I self-diagnosed myself with mastitis after googling it and realizing I had every symptom. I went to see the doctor and he confirmed it was in fact mastitis. I was prescribed antibiotics, and I was so grateful for that. I’ve heard of women treating it naturally but I honestly don’t think I could have. It actually got so bad I didn’t think the antibiotics were working, but they do take 2-3 days to kick in. Mine took 3 days to show any signs of improvement. Actually, it did get a little worse before it got better. By day two of antibiotics I still had quite a high fever and the lump in my breast felt massive.

I was also very anxious because my milk supply seemed to be dwindling, especially on the infected side. I kept feeding my baby through it and I could tell he was sucking longer than normal to get the amount of milk he needed. Apparently nursing is the best cure, because it really works out the lump. I remember one night waking up with my nipple so engorged (it reminded me of a roasted marshmallow) and nothing relieved the pain. I tried pumping, a hot cloth, using a haaka… nothing worked. Finally my son woke up for a feeding and as soon as he was done, I felt so much better.

I also tried cabbage leaves for temporary pain relief. They are also used for weaning so you have to be careful not to overuse them. Twenty minutes on, 3 times a day, is the most that is recommended while breastfeeding. I washed and dried a few leaves each time, and kept them super cold in the fridge. They were actually very relieving. I could feel the excess fluid sweating out of my breast, if that makes any sense. I envisioned the leaf pulling the infection out of me. I know it sounds crazy but this type of thinking is so important!

After 5 days I finally started feeling better. I had 7 days of antibiotics total so I gave myself that entire time to rest and heal even though I was feeling good. I wasn’t jumping straight back into exercising or doing too much.

If anything, mastitis reminded me to slow down. As a breastfeeding mom of a 3 month old, I am already so busy and usually physically exhausted. Breastfeeding (literally) takes a lot out of you! I think I was pushing myself too hard to do too much (counting my daily steps, doing HIIT rides on the Peloton 5 days a week, errands, cleaning…) – I sound nuts just writing this!

I was fortunate to have my Mother-In-Law come over for a couple days to watch the baby while I was sick. She kept the baby occupied in the other room while I napped and rested, and she brought him to me for feedings. She was a literal Godsend, because taking care of a baby while that sick is almost impossible. I know not everyone is as fortunate to have help on demand, but if you do have the offer, just take it. Whether it’s a mother, sister, friend or neighbour, just say yes and go to bed. It will make a huge difference in your recovery.

If you are suffering from mastitis, know you are not alone. Many have experienced it and have made it through, stronger on the other end. Seriously, there was a point where I felt like I was never going to get better. It’s really awful and it can be scary, but you WILL make it through after a tough few days. Take care of yourself ❤