Zoe Hendrix On Her Struggles With Mastitis: ‘It Is So PAINFUL’
Married At First Sight’s Zoe Hendrix has opened up about her breastfeeding struggles to fans in an honest post on her Instagram page.
Struggling With Mastitis
The 27-year-old star, who welcomed her daughter Harper Rose into the world with her partner Alex Garner in November, wrote: “Mastitis has hit me again. I saw the doctor yesterday after the tell tale signs lingered all morning (fever, fatigue, sore/hot breast).”Zoe Hendrix. Source: Instagram
Zoe reveals she was given antibiotics, but was told by her GP that if her symptoms didn’t ease up, she would have to have surgical drainage.
“[The doctor] has prescribed me antibiotics & said if it doesn’t clear, we may look at surgical drainage,” she says.
“I am continuing to feed as frequently as possible as recommended, but it is so damn PAINFUL, and I find myself swearing. ??@alex_garner_ wants to help, but he can only standby and offer words of encouragement as his nipples are made for decoration purposes only.”
When mastitis is not treated promptly, a breast abscess can form. This may require the mother to go to hospital and have the abscess surgically drained. In some cases, the mother can avoid hospital but, over several days, her medical adviser will drain the abscess using a syringe. This does not mean the end of breastfeeding. However, if the drain in the wound is close to the nipple, the baby may not be able to attach to that side for a while. It is still important to keep the breast well drained by feeding the baby or by expressing, says the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
A post shared by Zoe – Married At First Sight (@zoehendrix) on
“Breastfeeding is hard and for me it has been bittersweet. It can be exhausting, isolating, painful and cause incredible anxiety (I keep having this strange paranoia that my milk will dry up..?) Yet it can also be incredibly rewarding and the benefit to our babies is so incredible,” she added.
“I hope this clears up and I can continue for my personal goal of at least 12 months – but if I can’t I hope I can find peace with that.”
Zoe On The Challenges Of Motherhood
Last month, Zoe admitted she was struggling with motherhood, and at times felt like a ‘failure’.
“SOME DAYS I feel like a complete and utter failure. Some days I just want to curl up in a ball and sleep for days on end,” Zoe’s heartfelt post read.
A post shared by Zoe – Married At First Sight (@zoehendrix) on
“Some days I feel guilty for not enjoying every moment of motherhood, remembering how much I wanted this little rainbow baby.Some days I day dream about what life was like before motherhood and I wonder whether I was truly ready.
“Some days I am intoxicated with love for this sweet child and I can’t imagine anything more beautiful than her milk drunk smile (even at 3am). Some days I trace the outlines of stretch marks on my body, in complete awe of what my body has done.”
We hope you feel better soon, Zoe.
Motherhood isn’t easy at times and it can seem even more of a struggle if you’re suffering from mastitis. We hope it clears up soon. Hang in there, you’re doing a great job!
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis causes an inflammation in the breast and is often a result of a blocked milk duct.
It’s very common among breastfeeding mothers and can be very unpleasant if left untreated. It’s important to recognise the symptoms as early on as possible.
Source: iStock
Symptoms Of Mastitis
Symptoms of mastitis can often include:
Localised redness in the affected breast
Pain and heat in the affected area
You may develop flu like symptoms such as fevers, chills, and aches.
10 per cent of breastfeeding mums experience mastitis, and the highest risk of it occurring is in the second and third weeks after giving birth.
Make sure baby is attached well to your breasts and feeding well.
Breastfeed your baby as often as your baby wants to be fed.
Reframe from avoiding or missing feeding.
If a breast becomes full beyond comfort, wake your baby for a feed.
If your baby is not interested in feeding, express a small amount.
Cease putting pressure on your breasts e.g. with clothing or with your fingers while feeding
Try and get as much rest as possible.
Ensure that you alternate breasts when it comes to feeding.
Try not to give your baby any other fluids except your breastmilk, unless medically advised to.
Please note these points and other information regarding mastitis, including information on what to do and additional resources can be found onAustralian Breastfeeding Association.
Here at The Healthy Mummy, we advise any mum who thinks they may be suffering from mastitis to chat with their healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.
The Healthy Mummy team has written a piece regarding mastitis, recognising the signs and how to treat it. You can read this blog here.
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