During my pregnancy, I was resolute in my plan to breastfeed my son upon his arrival. Coming from a family that primarily embraced bottle-feeding, I felt a mix of anxiety and determination as I prepared for this new responsibility. To equip myself, I immersed myself in literature, attended classes, and tapped into the wisdom of my breastfeeding friends for every nugget of advice I could glean (pun intended). When my son finally arrived via emergency C-section, I followed the lactation consultant’s guidance, nervously adjusted my gown, and hoped for the best.
However, those initial weeks of breastfeeding proved to be anything but smooth. It soon became clear that my newborn had an insatiable appetite for breast milk that I struggled to provide. My body seemed to be on strike, resulting in endless crying—both from my son and myself. We became quite the spectacle, a crying baby and a weeping mother, wherever we went.
In my previous life as an ICU nurse married to a doctor, I thought I was prepared for medical challenges. But the exhaustion that came with new motherhood clouded my judgment, causing me to overlook the early signs of mastitis. It wasn’t until three weeks into this journey that I began to notice the troubling signs. While I was already experiencing pain during latching, I dismissed the increased discomfort. I also observed an odd red tint on my breast, but I kept pushing through, determined to feed my child.
It wasn’t until a follow-up appointment that reality hit. I had developed a severe case of untreated mastitis, accompanied by a staggering 104-degree fever. After a series of tests, I was promptly admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics. My doctor, realizing the gravity of the situation, drove me to the hospital himself. Talk about awkward: “Nice car, Doctor…care to forget that just minutes ago, we were discussing my breasts, and I’m not even getting dinner out of it?”
An interesting dynamic arises when you marry into the medical field. While knowing doctors, nurses, and even janitors can be beneficial during social events, it becomes decidedly less pleasant when you’re in a hospital bed with a bright red breast and a toxic blood infection. With my husband serving as the chief resident on the medical service I was admitted to, the situation quickly escalated into the bizarre.
Three weeks postpartum, I found myself in a hospital room filled with familiar faces from a recent holiday party. The gaze of medical students felt more invasive than I could have imagined, especially when I was asked to disrobe completely for their examination. I directed my gaze toward the ceiling, silently cursing my husband for getting me into this predicament.
Any remaining dignity vanished as I endured pokes, prods, and ultrasounds from nearly everyone I knew on my husband’s service. During a particularly challenging procedure involving a needle extraction, the resident managed to get the needle stuck in my breast. He left to find assistance while I nervously chatted with a nurse about the weather. When a friend of mine, the attending physician, walked in and remarked, “This has to be the most unusual way I’ve had a friend visit me at work!” my pride took a nosedive.
Fortunately, after six grueling weeks of home antibiotics and several more months of oral medication, I eventually recovered from what I now refer to as my “mastitis from hell.” My breast healed, but my pride? Not so much. I still cringe at the thought of being the center of attention in such an intimate setting. Yet, it certainly makes for a memorable story at social gatherings.
For those navigating similar challenges, it’s essential to seek help and consider resources like Cleveland Clinic’s podcast on IVF and fertility preservation. If you’re exploring parenthood through home insemination, check out Make a Mom’s guide for more insights. And if you’re interested in home insemination kits, look at this comprehensive post for practical advice.
Summary
Navigating the early days of motherhood can be fraught with unexpected challenges, as highlighted by my experience with severe mastitis. From initial plans to breastfeed to facing a hospital stay due to complications, the journey was anything but smooth. Despite the discomfort and loss of dignity, I emerged with a story that resonates with many new parents. For those facing similar situations, it’s crucial to seek help and utilize available resources.