How do I stop feeding after mastitis and a drop in supply?

[koolforcats]

Hi

I'm bfing my 11 month old DS and just getting over mastitis.

Despite continuing to feed during the mastitis, my supply appears to have really reduced, seemingly on both sides, not just the affected breast.

I know the best way to increase my supply is to feed feed feed but since the drop in supply, DS is tugging and pulling so hard while feeding and even using his legs for extra leverage. It hurts so much :-(

The mastitis seemed to be the result of two episodes of stubborn blocked ducts so ive been in pain for quite a while now. I think I've reached the point where I'm ready to stop feeding, as I was planning to stop by 12 months anyway and don't think I can endure the pain for much longer.

I just wondered if anyone knows if this is ok to do directly following mastitis? I read somewhere that it could lead to blockages again, thus exacerbating the problem. I know I'd have to cut feeds gradually but I'm keen to do it as soon as I can as the thought of feeding is making my toes curl.

Any suggestions of what to do gratefully received.

Bump

Ive got really bad mastitis right now and was considering just expressing from it when its been fixed... Im having to go get it drained but i dont know what that entails. Could you just express from it? Im no expert ...only two months into feeding... But wont that help use up the milk so it doesnt get engorged again and then lower the amount it produces?

I found that my supply dropped massively when I had mastitis but increased rapidly soon after which I suspect could cause problems.