Antibiotics to treat Mastitis; could they be affecting milk supply?

[CheersBigEars1]

Hi all, I've got a recurrent case of Mastitis which is being treated with 1g of flucloxacillin 4 times daily. I'm feeling a lot better now but since starting the antibiotics I'm sure my milk supply has reduced, breasts have felt emptier than normal, baby feeding frequently and for longer than usual and fussy in the evening.

Has anyone else has experience of this? Could it be the antibiotics or effects of the infection? Feeling so low at the moment I'm just concerned DS is okay, thanks.

[tiktok]

Use of antibiotics should not have any impact on milk supply...none of what you describe is a sign of anything wrong.

Breasts can feel emptier with established breastfeeding. Babies often go through phases where they are fussy and feed more often.

If you are concerned, keep an eye on his weight and health.

Hope you feel better soon.

[CheersBigEars1]

Thanks so much for getting back to me. DS is over 7 months so i know my supply is well established but somethings definitely changed and it seems unlikely to be a coincidence after being so unwell. He's feeding for much longer and not coming of the breast but just hanging out there and sometimes biting - not good on account of his two new front teeth! He seems happy and well otherwise though. Fingers crossed that we've seen the last of the mastitis - nasty.

[Monkeymonstermum]

I had very bad mastitis a couple of weeks ago and (very newborn baby) had a brief drop in weight. I was seen in the breast clinic as they were concerned about an abscess. I think being so poorly (I was v fluey and pretty much in bed for a week) and/or the fact the mastitis affected the beasts emptying properly meant my supply was down. They actually scanned my beasts befure and after a feed and said they weren't emptying properly and were excessively engorged.
At least you are on a decent dose of flucloxacillin which may actually mean it will clear up more quickly (my GP put me on 500mg but it didn't work until the hospital consultant upped it to 1g).
Hope you are feeling better soon as it is NASTY. Lots of fluids and lots of rest for you - along with paracetamol and ibuprofen
Xxx

[CheersBigEars1]

Thanks Monkey, yes it's horrible isn't it! I had sore lumps/ blocked ducts before but the infection just knocked me for six. I am feeling much better in general now but boob is still sore and feeding was painful again last night, hopefully just a blip. I'm going for a scan too but they can't do it where I live so have to wait until April, seriously thinking about giving up breastfeeding once things calm down, feels like a vicious circle! Hope you are fully recovered now x