This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
Jamie Otis is sharing her breastfeeding struggles with fans. On Monday, the former “Married At First Sight” star and mom-of-four took to Instagram to express her frustrations with breastfeeding her youngest children, two-month-old twins Hawkins and Huxley.
In a video, a tearful Otis said: “Incredibly frustrating when your babies are crying and you’re trying to feed them from your breast and you don’t have enough.”
Otis included photos of herself breastfeeding, pumping and bottle feeding the twins that included a text-on-screen message about her breastfeeding journey.
“I have mastitis again…,” the 38-year-old wrote. “I’m pushing through the pain but I’m at my wits’ end with breastfeeding.”
In the caption of her post, Otis said the condition has been “dang painful” and “frustrating” because it impacts her milk supply.
“I breastfed my first two babies for a full year each,” she wrote. “I was a labour and deliver nurse teaching moms how to breastfeed for years. I have a lot of knowledge and experience, but yet I’ve struggled the most this time with my twins. If you’re having trouble breastfeeding, you’re not alone. Even the ‘experts’ and those with experience struggle too. You’re doing great. This ish is rough [sic].”
Otis said that she has antibiotics to see if her condition improves, but has not ruled out switching to exclusively formula feeding her twins.
“It’s not worth the constant pain and struggle,” she wrote. “I want to hold my babies without my chest hurting (my nipple Is literally cracked and has blisters on it right now).”
Otis’s post received a mix of messages from followers. While some encouraged her to “never quit” trying to breastfeed, others encouraged Otis to prioritize her own wellbeing and switch to formula.
“Maybe formula is the way to go so that you can enjoy feeding them and bond with them?” A follower wrote. “Breastfeeding or not does not make you a better mom. You are clearly in pain. Is it really worth it?”
“You don’t get a reward for breastfeeding. If it’s hard then stop. It isn’t that big of a deal. Society needs to stop with all this obsession around breastfeeding. If it works for mom and baby, great. If it doesn’t, cool. Fed baby is best.”
Although common among breastfeeding women, mastitis can be incredibly painful and potentially cause serious health risks. Keep reading to learn more about the condition.
What is mastitis?
Mastitis is a painful condition that occurs when breast tissue becomes inflamed. Although it typically occurs in people who are lactating and breastfeeding, anyone (including men) can develop mastitis.
According to Healthlink B.C, mastitis is most common within the first six months of breastfeeding “especially during the baby’s first two months” before feeding patterns become more regular.
What are the signs and symptoms of mastitis?
Symptoms of mastitis can appear quickly and can include:
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Swollen, tender breasts
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Painful area on the breast that’s warm to the touch
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Hard lumps on the breast
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Red marks, patch of skin
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Flu-like symptoms, chills
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Fever
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Pain that extends from the breast to the armpit
Sometimes bacterial mastitis can cause abscesses that require draining. It’s best to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms develop.
What causes mastitis?
Mastitis can occur for a variety of reasons:
Blocked milk ducts
One of the most common causes of mastitis is inability to empty the breast during a feeding. This can cause milk to become backed up and clog the milk duct, resulting in inflammation from the trapped milk.
Oversupply
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with oversupply of milk (hyperlactation) are at risk of developing inflammatory mastitis. The oversupply of milk in the breast puts pressure on the surrounding tissue that can cause the milk ducts to narrow, resulting in swollen, painful breasts (engorged breasts).
Bacteria
Bacterial mastitis is an infection that occurs when germs enter the breast through cracked nipples or milk duct openings. Sometimes, if breasts aren’t emptied after feeding, bacteria can develop in the backed up milk and cause infection also.
How do you treat mastitis?
Mastitis can be treated with antibiotics from a healthcare provider. According to the Mayo Clinic, pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate some discomfort.
Other tips for managing mastitis include:
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Use a cool cloth or ice pack on your breast after feeding
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Wearing a supportive bra that isn’t too tight
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Light, lymphatic massage to help move fluid through the breast
How do you prevent mastitis?
People who have had mastitis before are at an increased risk of developing it again. Speak to a lactation consultant if you have concerns about breastfeeding technique to ensure you are emptying your breasts during feedings.
Other tips for preventing mastitis include:
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Alternating which breast you begin feeds with
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Avoid wearing a bra tight bra
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Avoid missing feedings to ensure breasts don’t become too full or uncomfortable
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Consider pumping or hand expressing milk if breasts feel too full
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Use creams for cracked or sore nipples
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Regularly change breast pads
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