Spots and Spit-Up

A few days before Holden's birth, my tummy started breaking out in a nice red rash. I wasn't too concerned because 1) it wasn't spreading and 2) I was focused on getting this child out of me. Right after Holden was born, though, the rash started to spread and the itch was ridiculous. I noticed the spot on my tummy was getting worse and I was starting to get more bumps on my fingers, arms, legs and my face. The rash on my face was so bad, I didn't even want to take any pictures with Holden. I felt like Two-Face from Batman with all the red and puffiness.

Because I answered that I had baby blues to my OB's nurse practitioner (um, who doesn't have ANY baby blues after delivery?!?), I was asked to come in and talk to them. After they assessed that I was in fact normal, I had them look at the rash. Much to my delight, the doctor said she had never seen anything like it before and had no idea what the cause was. Fantastic. She prescribed some steroids and told me it could take up to 12 days to cure. Most importantly she said that the steroids would not affect my breastmilk for Holden.

I may call shenanigans though.

Breastfeeding the first week of Holden's life was not too terrible. He has a good latch (when he latches) and he would eat like a champion. This week has been a little different though. I guess there are two variables that I changed.

The first is the steroids. My suspicions are high on the steroids affecting my milk because this week, especially these past few days, Holden has been spitting up - a LOT. And not only is he spitting up a lot, he spits up after almost every single feeding. After he appears done, I will prop him on my shoulder and tap his back to hear that most satisfying burp. Instead, I hear a waterfall of spit-up come out on the side of his face, onto the burp towel and usually down my shirt and arm. I'm beginning to take it personally.

The second is...we broke and started using a soothie - especially at night. All the books and experts say not to use a pacifier for at least one month if you are breastfeeding. Those books and experts must not have experienced a screaming newborn. Nevertheless, Holden gets a soothie late at night and now I am second guessing whether or not I have caused the dreaded "nipple confusion" and affecting how he eats.

So, if you have any suggestions - I am open to them - as long as your solution includes curing the rash and cheating with a soothie. In all seriousness, though - is this at all normal?

These cluster spots are all over my body.

More rash accompanied by bruising from my non-stop itching.