Mastitis

How? How can a woman breastfeeding a 19 month old get Mastitis? How can a woman who just started increasing feedings the past week because I've been home more get Mastitis? How can someone who has never had any problems with breastfeeding after almost four years of doing it get Mastitis? How can I get Mastitis when I have so much else to do?

Aha, that's probably the ticket. I'm sure it's b/c I've been so overworked and stressed - when we were at the Museum of Science last night, I started to feel a lot of pain. I actually decided to call Harvard's urgent care - the dougie howser that took my call was pretty clueless and didn't even diagnose it - I did myself after spending last night feverish, sleepless, nauseous and writhing in aches and pains. I went to the doctor this morning, but, of course, it was most helpful calling our midwife Cindy for advice. She's so amazing. I really miss my mama community back there....

It's been tough trying to rest with all of the family chaos - both Liam and Kalian are used to getting lots of ama whenever I'm in bed, so it's been an amafest while my ama is infected. Ouch

Fortunately, my parents are here and helped out - I took my dad with me to my appointment - which felt good that I could be relaxed enough around him to lift up my shirt for the doctor in front of him - not that I suspected otherwise. She wanted to pump me with antibiotics, but I'll wait and see how I feel tomorrow after taking Cindy's advice. And it was great to ask my Mom to make chicken soup, which she did so deliciously. But I found I really craved Chris' company and closeness the past 24 hours, which actually felt good since we've been so stressed in our relationship. And Liam was having a blast giving me multiple checkups today while I lay in bed. Ah, nothing like a breast infection to bring the family together.