In these days of rapid access to information the biggest question
moms have is "Do I have to go to the doctor?" We can learn almost
instantly what's wrong based on our symptoms and what treatments
work. For most things we do just fine. BUT Self diagnosis and
self treatment can only go so far.
Let me use thrush as an example of an easily self diagnosed and
easily self treated problem in nursing mommies. In most women
the thrush clears up following a self care treatment plan. However,
some bacterial infections and/or eczema can look and feel a lot
like thrush which is a fungus. The normal anti fungal medications
for thrush won't help because a bacterial infection needs antibiotic
treatment. If it's eczema, still another medication type is the
answer.
So before you ask your doctor to prescribe Diflucan (fluconazole) for thrush that isn't clearing up, you need to be sure thrush is what have.
The same can be said for repeated plugged ducts or mastitis. there has to be a reason when it happens more than 1 or 2 times, especially if it's in the same spot. A low milk supply may be the only symptom of a low thyroid. Nearly two-thirds of the cases of low thyroid function in women are diagnosed postpartum.
A baby who suddenly refuses to nurse, may not be on a nursing
strike but has an ear infection or sore throat. A colicky baby
may not be crying from what you had to eat/drink in the last 24
hours.
I could go on with the list of what it could befor a long time but I think you get the point.
When you've done every thing you can to take care of a problem
and nothing works or things are getting worse -- IT'S TIME TO SEE A DOCTOR.
We aren't physicians . We haven't done the appropriate tests. Any advice we read or hear is a shot in the dark and very possibly could be wrong. Nothing substitutes for your personal physician.
(c) Marie Davis, RN, IBCLC 1999
Last reviewed: