Recurrent mastitis and worries about drying up

[thatsthebadger]

I'm just recovering from my third hit of mastitis over the weekend and I'm worrying that this time it's really impacted my milk supply. I've been feeding off the boob as normal all the way through but I was very blocked up on my most free flowing side.

Lump is going thanks to massage and antibiotics but DD is now very fussy and often now takes both boobs (previously one was plenty for her) and then comes up for another feed in a couple of hours time.

Is this something that is normal with mastitis and one of those "keep at it and it will get back to normal" times"? Or is there anything pro-active I can do? Am I at risk of entirely drying up?

She won't take bottles at all so I don't like to express when my supply is already low as it feels like wasting the little milk I have but perhaps there's a cunning way to do that that others have tried?

I had mastitis 3 times in the first 2 months and a blocked duct a little later. I noticed a drop in supply in the affected boob and had to feed a bit more often (I always give both sides anyway) but after a while things seemed to go back to normal.
Just keep feeding on demand - she may feed more frequently for a while but that's nothing to worry about. If it's getting extreme and problematic though, maybe ring one of the bf helplines

If you are worried about your supply at all then DD feeding every couple of hours should sort it out.

Agree with marzipan though, if you are at all concerned ring one of the Bfing Helplines.

Do you go to any Bfing Support Groups, maybe they could help?

Many thanks both. That's very comforting. I think I've just been getting down as the frequent feeding plus very sore boobs is rather depressing. I shall persevere though. She's bright and active so I guess she's getting enough one way or another.

I am a member of a BF support group too but missed this week's meeting due to her jabs appointment. Hopefully by this time next week, I'll be back to normal. Fingers crossed.

Poor you! And big well done for keeping at it - what a lucky baby! My top tip is to buy a copy of The Food of Love by Kate Evans, it's the most wonderful, positive, lovely breastfeeding book and full of great help for problems. Good luck!

thatsthebadger can see why its getting you down and sorry too that you missed your group, is there another one you could go to instead?

Hope you are feeling better soon