Lindsey Bliss, who lives in Queens, New York, chose to breastfed all six of her children, whom she carried in her own belly with her own eggs. When she two sets of twins, she had to feed them at the same time.
According to centuries’ worth of experience and testimonials, mothers prefer to breastfeed their children as it offers a unique experience in getting closer or connected with one another. However, there’s one condition that had been striking fear among new mothers. It’s called mastitis.
Mastitis is described as “breast inflammation that can be linked to a breast tissue infection. And it can be painful AF,” according to Cosmopolitan. Bliss, who had six-children’s worth of breastfeeding, found herself suffering from the painful condition with her youngest offspring.
Bliss posted a photo on Instagram to raise awareness of the condition. She wrote as a caption, “When a good boob goes bad - AGAIN! I literally wanted Dan to bring me to the ER last night due to the most EPIC engorged boob, full body shakes, and a crushing headache. On the mend today from my bed. Why does this keep happening?”
According to Cosmopolitan, Bliss said, “It literally feels like someone kicked me in the breast. No one really warns you about how powerful mastitis is. Your boob can cause a full body shut down.”
Bliss is a birth doula, which means that she helps pregnant women and aid them through their pregnancy up to the delivery. Bliss is also a co-director at Carriage House Birth, which is an organization “that fosters community among birth doulas and postpartum care providers,” according to Cosmopolitan.
Bliss’ symptoms from mastitis sent her to the emergency room because the infection had spread all over her body and her breast became swollen, reddish, and hot. She was also left shaking with her entire body and uncontrollable teeth chattering.
According to American Congress of Obstetricians, symptoms similar to flu are obvious signs of mastitis, which happens when milk obstructs the milk duct and lead straight to bacterial infection.
Stress, fatigue, anything can lead to mastitis. Even pressure from undergarments that are too tight or poor breast pump usage or hygiene can cause mastitis, too, according to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine.
The condition happens more commonly during the early stages of breastfeeding, although experts warn that it can happen any time, even if the woman is not pregnant or not breastfeeding.
