Mastitis tanked my supply.. any help/advice

[Sunshineeeee]

Hello everyone,

This is my first time coming out of the darkness of the internet and actually posting something! (Let's hope I'm doing this right). I've been following mumsnet for years and usually get my answers without posting but this time I'm really stuck.

My babe is 19 weeks old and 2 weeks ago I got a severe bout of mastitis as well as a nipple blister which wouldn't allow me to feed for a week! My mastitis was misdiagnosed as covid-19 and by the time it was finally diagnosed my baby hadn't fed properly for about 8 days on that side (left). He was feeding fully from the right but I noticed my good side began to dry up after a couple days on antibiotics. My doctor said antibiotics plus the very high fever I had plus the change in feeding can affect supply (sometimes permanently).

Currently I'm topping up with formula for almost a week now and have no idea what I'm doing. I was exclusively breastfeeding and trying to stick to the supply and demand route but baby unlatches after a couple minutes really frustrated.

I used to pump 32oz a day and now barely get 8oz (including power pumping). I get about 20-30ml a session instead of my usual 120ml.

Any advice? Any similar experiences? I've tried the herbal routes. I've got a hospital grade pump right now. I'm trying to latch baby as much as possible and have skin to skin but he's getting frustrated.

Really hoping someone out there replies and can offer some help. Trying to get my hands on domperidone but my doctor is being funny. Feeling very down and miss my supply and my routine with my baby.

Thanks if you're still reading
A desperate mama

Honestly, I think you need to try and relax and just focus on feeding for a while. Lots of cuddles and skin to skin. At this age, teeth could be playing a part (both of mine had teeth before 6m) which could be affecting him. Both of my babies preferred my right side so I would always do 2 feeds right, one feed left, for some reason it always seemed to produce more milk anyway. And DC2 refused the left side entirely from about 9m, and so I completed another 14m of feeding on the right side only. Feed as often as you can, don’t stress if he’s preferring one side over the other. My babies hated the left so I used to feed a couple of times a day from there just to keep it drained.

the butter thing is interesting because I know my supply is related to high fat food. Seasonal tip: clotted cream on hot cross buns is divine!

Good luck!

Sounds like you are doing much better, but I just wanted to offer my experience as some reassurance also. I had bad mastitis and ended up having to go to hospital to get an abscess drained. My little boy point blank refused to feed on that side again, he'd just unlatch and wail until I swapped over. So I breastfed him until 13 months solely on the left side. And it was fine (apart from looking ridiculously lopsided 😄) - the left side upped production and the right dried up, he gained weight fine. My breastfeeding support lady said if you have twins then they only get one breast each so one is plenty for a single baby!
You're doing a great job, well done - I recognise all the feelings of doubt and worrying about if baby is getting enough, it's so stressful x

@homeschoolchaos and @TooMinty thank you both! I needed to hear that. I'd happily feed one sided but my right side was affected too and my baby's nappies were soo light. Once his nappy output changed the panic set in. Hopefully things will regulate. I'm trying to just relax now and praying my breastfeeding journey isn't up yet.

Reading your post about fussing over which side in his sleep also I’m wondering if it’s either teeth or even an earache/cold. Is he giving you any signs of the above?

No he's not.. last night my left breast seemed slightly fuller than it has the last couple weeks and he managed to latch on for longer. I think he probably wants a quick let down again and unless he gets it he whinges.

Update: good nappies over night (breast only) and managed to pump 5oz this morning while my husband gave him a bottle!! Now only if my supply would catch up during the day. We might just be getting somewhere

I'm sorry that you're experiencing this, poor form from your GP too.
I had a very bad bout of mastitis in September when my baby was 2 weeks old. It came out of nowhere, I had been for a walk and felt a bit heavy on my right breast. DD was sleeping so tried to express but didn't get much. By the evening I had run such a high fever that I had passed out and vomited. I was admitted to hospital, put on a drip of antibiotics and given a scan. My treatment was wonderful (But I'm not in UK).
I was discharged after 48 hours, but my GP prescribed me antibiotics to continue at home and also a nasal spray that I took 5-10mins before feeding as it helped stimulate the 'let down of milk. It was amazing! I went from basically having nothing on my right breast to being able to feed normally. I've been able to breastfeed for 7 months now. The doctors at hospital encouraged me to keep her latching on every hour, even if she didn't feed. They would come and wake me. (DD was allowed to stay in hospital with me).
I'll try and find the name of the prescription spray for you.
Hope this helps and that you feel better soon.

Pitocin is the nasal spray.

@JimLaheysWhiskeyBottle I'm glad it worked out for you and you got such efficient treatment. Thank you for letting me know about the spray

Brilliant

I never managed to pump 5oz so sounds good. Just keep offering breastfeeds frequently. I think it's normal to have a better supply in evenings/nights - something to do with hormones I think.

Update: got LO weighed and he's added weight and is still following his curve which is great. Haven't used formula in 6 days! Almost a whole week. I've tried to go back to nursing full time but am having to pump still to keep him satisfied. I think perhaps another week and things might go back to normal. The affected side still isn't producing as much as before but is it definitely fuller and heavier. If anyone reads this looking for answers do not give up!! I thought I was doomed and things would right themselves but they seem to be improving and we might just make it.

OP, I am thrilled for you. I had a feeling it would all come back together for you. You were so determined to make it work. Well done.

Well done OP supermum.

Great news!

Thank you all. I needed the encouragement! We've stopped pumping now too and things are back to normal. I just have to offer both breasts at every feed (instead of one each feed like before) but who cares! We're still breastfeeding :)

My last update incase anyone finds themselves in my predicament. Over a month later now and things are completely normal again. I don't even need to offer both breasts at each feed. One usually suffices unless LO is just super hungry. He's also adding weight nicely.

Thank you mumsnet and mumsnetters!

Officially over and out