Breastfeeding

[Jellyggv]

Just wondering if anyone has gone through same thing or can give advice? I'm exclusively breastfeeding and my son is 7 nearly 8 weeks old. I've had mastitis in both breasts past two weeks and am concerned as I had very full boobs and good milk supply prior to this and am concerned the mastitis has had an effect. I do responsive feeding and I'm not sure if he's really hungry or it's a new thing he has learnt but he sucks his fist REALLY loud and seems to be almost drooling from doing it so forcefully. He used to suck fingers and his fists as feeding cues but not sure if this is the same because I've fed him loads... that or maybe he's frustrated with my milk supply??

I expect he is just learning that he has hands and it's interesting to suck them! I honestly wouldn't worry if you are feeding on demand, he has plenty of wet nappies still and is generally content then sounds like youre doing great

8 weeks is also the time your body starts to adjust from an unlimited supply to making what your baby needs. You may go from always feeling full to never doing so, or as i did, from being able to express 8oz whenever i wanted to not being able to get an oz unless i skipped a feed.

Sucking hands can be a million reasons. New sensation, just a sucky baby, teeth, anything.

Best thing you can do to prevent mastitis and keep up your supply is to carry on feeding. Sounds like you’re doing a great job.

I found with both of my DC that after a few weeks I just started making way too much milk and had to express some of it off. This didn't last long and soon settled down, but maybe that would help you not to get mastitis again. I know it's awful, I had it with my first and knocked me off my feet!