An unwelcome visitor

Dear Mastitis,

I have heard a lot of things about you and never wanted to meet you. I nursed two boys and managed to avoid you that whole time. Now I have a new baby girl and you decide to show up? It's not right.

I tried to do all the things the pros tell me to do. I feed her on demand, and let her drain my breasts. I keep engorgement down. I massage my breasts in the warm shower. I nurse in multiple positions and drink a ton of water.

I think you decided to come because I was wearing sports bras instead of nursing bras. I will be shopping for nursing bras as soon as I get rid of you.

The worst part of your visit is that you came with your friends the chills, the body aches, fatigue, and headaches. As if I don't have enough to do, having three kids, then to host you and your riff raff.

The doctor at the urgent care acted like I invited you to come hang out at my house. She couldn't know how much I despise you, how you kept me up for hours last night, how you have had me laid out on my bed almost all weekend. She isn't aware how, after my warm bath this morning, you tried to get me to pass out in the bathroom. She did give me a prescription for an antibiotic, so I forgive her for her not-so-nice bedside manner.

I am so grateful that your friends have mostly left. I am waiting for you to be gone. I am working on all of the things I was told to do to get rid of you once you arrived. I am also taking a probiotic to keep your cousin, thrush from visiting me. I don't have the time or energy for visitors, especially ones like you.

I will be grateful once you are gone. Until then, I am in bed with my babe, trying to get rid of you. Please don't extend your stay.

Sincerely,
Diane