An honest postpartum story from Midwife Mel
From Midwife to Mum
Before having Pia, I’d supported hundreds of women through breastfeeding challenges, including mastitis. I knew what to look for, what to advise, and how serious it could be.
But experiencing it myself? That was a whole different reality.
It Started So Innocently
One afternoon, I wore a cute—but tight—sports bra during a lunchtime feed (I still hadn't bought proper maternity sports bras 🙈). I lifted one side to feed Pia, and the other side pressed awkwardly into my right breast.
A few hours later, I felt a bruised, sore spot. I thought, ohhh sht*. I iced it right away, but it was too late.
The Symptoms Came Fast
That night, mastitis hit me full force:
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Intense chills
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Whole-body shaking
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Irritability
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Hot and cold waves
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Deep, throbbing breast pain
I did everything I knew to do—icing, anti-inflammatories, lymphatic massage, and feeding on demand. By the next night, I started to feel better. I thought I was out of the woods.
So I skipped the ice.
Big Mistake
The next morning—on my birthday, of course 🙃—it came back with a vengeance.
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Dizziness
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A raging headache
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Shivers
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Full-body fatigue
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Feeling like an empty shell
Pia needed me… but I had absolutely nothing to give.
I’m forever grateful to my partner and mother-in-law who took turns caring for her so I could rest. Without them, I don’t know how I would’ve coped.
What I Learned (That I Want Every Mum to Know)
Even though my experience only lasted 36 hours, it was honestly worse than childbirth. Mastitis is no joke—and for those who go through this for days or weeks, or develop abscesses, I see you. 💛
Here’s what I learned the hard way:
😢 Cry if you need to. It’s painful—physically and mentally.
🧊 Don’t stop too soon. Keep icing and taking anti-inflammatories even after you feel better. Give it at least 24 extra hours.
🔥 No Heat on the boobies. But placing a heat pack between your thighs can help calm chills.
🫶 Rest. Fully. Lean on your support village—it matters more than you think.
🚫 Ditch the tight bras. Seriously. Look after your boobs—they’re delicate.
You're Not Alone
If you’re in the thick of it, I want you to know this: you’re not failing. You’re not alone. And mastitis doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.
Whether you're a first-time mum or a seasoned parent, mastitis can happen—and it can hit hard. Be kind to yourself. Ask for help. And don’t ignore the signs.
Need Support?
As a midwife, lactation consultant, and now a breastfeeding mum myself, I share expert guidance and real-life experience.
✨ Follow along on Midwife.Mel for practical tips, honest stories, and support for every step of your postpartum journey.
✨ Reach out, I offer 1:1 in home or zoom consults. I would love to support you.
And always—consult your healthcare provider if you're concerned.
Sending love to all the mamas doing it tough right now. You're doing an incredible job. 💕