Since my second baby was born 3 months ago I've had 4/5 attacks of mastitis, always on the same side. It's had a massive effect on my life and has really blighted the time I've had so far with my baby.
I've followed all the advice about avoiding mastitis, seen breastfeeding counsellors multiple times, had four different GPs have a look and have just started my twelfth week of antibiotics.
I finally saw the registrar and the consultant yesterday who became the latest people to have a good look at my breast and was told that the only way to stop the mastitis coming back was to stop breastfeeding.
I am devastated. I know that they are right, I've explored every avenue, tried every remedy going but I know as soon as I finish a course of antibiotics it just comes back. That means 5 days minimum of pain, fever and being unable to care for my baby and toddler properly and my DH having to suspend work to pick up the slack.
I am so so sad and I feel so guilty that I can't give my baby the milk they have been thriving on up til now. I Know formula will be fine for him and I know the silver linings of switching but I couldn't give a shit about any of that at the moment, I just want to feed my baby myself and feed him for at least 18 months like I did his sibling.
I was told by the consultant to stop cold turkey which I was surprised by but then I thought fuck it, at least it gets it over and done with more quickly. I know about the risks of stopping abruptly but I'd just get mastitis again anyway, plus I'm still on antibiotics. The pain isn't nice but I'm used to it
So yes, had anyone else been through similar? Did you stop crying eventually and make your peace with it? did it affect how you bonded with your baby? I'm finding it hard to look at him at the moment.
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Infant feeding
Heartbroken over having to stop breastfeeding
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Startlingbaby · 09/05/2015 20:15
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