After 2 unsuccessful aspirations I had breast abscess surgery 3 days ago and am due to get home today. Baby ( 3 moths old) has been on formula during this time ( previously 100% breast fed) due to amount of meds I was on but I have the ok to feed again from tonight. I took a pump to hospital but only managed the good breast - trying on the bad breast interfered with the wound. It should be easier for baby to feed as her mouth is smaller than the pump. So I have a few questions I hope someone can help with. ( have had no answers from hospital, maternity unit, doctors surgery or health visitor)
- is if safe for baby to feed on bad side after lying stagnant so long - I know I need the milk out ( terrified that I haven't expressed for days). Nct adviser seems to think so.
- I have been ill for most of the 3 mths since birth and know I have weeks of recovery ahead ( the wound is an inch cubed hole and needs packed and dressed daily so am terrified of infection/recurrence). Am considering giving up on feeding to move forward mentally and fully take care of my little girl in other ways. She is taking formula no problem but I feel guilty when she looks around for the breast. I wonder if moving to combined feeding would be a good compromise. I could feed evening and morning in prep for going back to work in a few months so she has plenty time to get used to it - but if I begin to get sick again, its an easier transition to stop ( for her and me) than if my milk is full flow. Has anyone experience of this? does reduced flow decrease chance of blocked ducts/mastitis as I am now terrified of this.
I am feeling permanently on edge and a bit traumatised right now so all advice welcome. Thanks