Stopping BF at 12mo - am I at risk of mastitis?

[TheNewandImprovedMrsHollywood]

A couple of days ago I stopped feeding my 12mo DD. For a few days, she'd only had 1 feed a day and for about a month before that, only 2, occasionally 3. She's been perfectly happy to move to a cup, as am I, but my boobs aren't so happy!! They are starting to hurt a bit today.

Is this normal? I fed DS for 12mo too, but I don't remember any discomfort on stopping. I think he'd had just the 1 feed for the last few weeks, rather than just a few days, though.

I can deal with a few uncomfortable days, I just don't want mastitis or anything like that! I've managed to avoid nasties like this far - I don't want it to get me now!!

Any advice?

Bump. Please, anyone?

Is there anything I should do to avoid problems?

I stopped at 15month ish, some days he had 1 feed or 3 or none. I had a bit of tingling but it's not been a problem. I've got no experience of mastitis so not sure about that, but think I've been o.k because we had a few days a week with no feeds before we stopped completely.

Thanks. I definitely think we've stopped a bit more abruptly than last time!

I don't even know what the warning signs of mastitis are, or what I should do!

Symptoms I had with mastitis (have had it 3 times):

• Pain in breast, particularly if it was touched or prodded
• Redness at sore area

Also, a high temperature, feeling pretty much like I had flu, and the third time I vomited also.

The first twice I had it it came on more slowly with increasing breast tenderness over 12-24 hours then the high temperature. The third time I had no warning and just woke at 3am feeling horrendous and nauseous with a very high temperature.

Ibuprofen is (in my experience and recommended by the HCPs I saw) much more effective in treating the pain/swelling than paracetamol, although you can take both to keep your temp down and manage the pain.

If you get breast tenderness, redness, a high temperature and feel quite flu-ey then I'd see a doctor asap who may prescribe antibiotics. If this does happen, you want a 10-14 day course. 7 days is not sufficient generally. Kellymom.com is pretty knowledgeable on this :)

Thanks Jolly. I am a bit worried now as my boobs are quite tender now. This week is so busy - both my DCs have birthdays this week - so I really, really don't want to be ill! Not that anyone ever does, but you know what I mean!!

The tenderness would be fairly localised. The biggest red/tender area I had was about 1/3 of my breast, but it always started smaller than this.

Make sure you get enough rest (with a 12mo not easy!) and drink lots of water and hopefully you'll be ok, but maybe someone with more actual knowledge will be around soon!

Ah, thank you! As you say, the 'rest' isn't so easy but I'll drink plenty! Am not usually too good on that, so will make an effort