Infected nipple but really want to carry on feeding - pls help!

[Exhaustipated]

Have posted on this before, but now know for sure that my nipple is infected (yuck). My doctor gave me some antibiotic cream but also said it would be very hard for it to heal whist I am still BFing. I don't want to stop yet, but am not sure what to do as feeding on that side is agony and makes the nipple look much worse (red raw in places as well as more white from infection).

I have never really expressed before but is this my only option? Do I need to pump from that side until it's better? Would really appreciate any advice - TIA.

Well I know there are bf support lines in the UK you can call...hopefully someone else can provide those numbers.

My experience is you express (if you can), as you need to give that side a rest to let it heal. Even if nothing comes out from expressing, it is still stimulating the boob.

But I would also rec you seek support from a lactation consultant!

Thanks. Just called all the helplines but no reply... guess it's a bit early :(

I don't know how long you've been feeding, but when DS got a bit older he'd sometimes get lazy with his feeding and shred a nipple a bit.

I'd give that nipple a rest for a couple of days by just not feeding him from that side until it'd had a rest, then I'd favour the uninjured side a little for the next few days and that gave it time to heal.

If you've been feeding a while, things are probably settled down enough that you could do that - if not, could you just feed from that side a couple of times a day to keep it ticking over until it's better?

Thanks ChunkyPickle, you've given me hope! I've been feeding DD for 11 months, so maybe I could just lay off that breast for a while. The doctor said if I only fed from one side I'd get mastitis in the unused breast... I do have lots of milk still and DD feeds a lot so I fear she may be right in my case. Going to try to pump from that side I think, but good to know it might not be an emergency (currently have no pump).

I had infections in nipples and antibiotic tablets sorted it. I continued feeding (had mastitis and terrible engorgement too - all caused by tongue tie). I'm not sure antibiotic cream would be as effective as tablets, maybe try and get tablets instead?

Thanks- yes I am wondering if I should ask for tablets. It seems to be getting a bit better with the cream, jelonet dressings and expressing from that side. Hope im doing the right thing expressing and it won't mess with my supply?