I didn't speak to the vet directly, so I don't know if it's mastitis.. but It really seems like it is. They said it's an infection and they gave me antibiotics..

They said to use a warm compress for 5 minutes 4 times a day.. The mom doesn't like the warm compress, though.. I found a thermal heating wrap in the bathroom that activates itself when the package is opened. It acts like an ace bandage and lasts for about 8 hours. I've used it before with muscle aches and it can be put directly on the skin as it doesn't get too hot, it just stays nice a warm. I wrapped it around mommy and it was a perfect fit. She didn't even seem to notice it until she went to groom a half hour later. I took it off so the babies could nurse (because it covers her belly) and I'm about to put it back on.

The swelling seems to go down after the heat is applied. Should I keep using the thermal wrap?

The vet tech said that the vet said the babies can keep nursing but she said this with a question mark at the end and made a weird face like she didn't think it was a good call.

It is only the one gland/nipple that is infected. Would it be wise of me to put a band aid over the one nipple so the babies don't nurse from that one? I don't know if this is a dumb question so I'm not going to do anything until there is a reply.

__________________

The infection completely cleared up over night. I'm very glad!

__________________