7 mths - how long could I not feed without affecting supply?

[Laugs]

DS is trying out his new teeth and has bitten me hard enough to make a cut about half a centimetre long in my nipple. It may be small, but it kills! The cut is obviously right where his bottom teeth sit and every time I feed him it reopens.

I know I could express while it heals and I will if I have to, but breast pumps don't work for me and it takes an age by hand. I just wondered if, now that my supply will be well established, I could just miss a few feeds without it making a difference.

Thanks!

In my experience you might find that difficult... You would be giving your wounded nipple a rest but would probably get swollen and uncomfortable on that side... I know people that have used nipple shields (although i can't say they worked for me personally). You can always build up your supply on that side when you've healed but you might find that the discomfort of excess milk while you are not using that breast out ways the benefit. And you'll be using the other side a lot more... which means you'd have to balance that up too! IYSWIM. I'm probably making it sound more complicated than it would be in reality, but i guess these are the things to consider... (I know what i am talking about from experience, having BF 3).
Its no fun being used a teething ring! i hope ive helped!

You're right. The nipple itself started hurting even more last night after I'd missed a couple of feeds, leaking milk etc. so I expressed twice in the night. I can't bear to put him to the breast yet. Hope it heals soon!