Mastitis

[coffeewithmilk]

Hi, I'm nearly 4 weeks PP, combi feeding from the beginning. I've got mastitis (it's agony) I'm on antibiotics since yesterday.
My question is, I want to stop BF altogether but I don't know how to.. I have a very good supply.. but feel it's a catch 22, if I stop then I'll get mastitis again

Is there anything i can take or do to help?

Any experiences welcome

Thank you

I’m sorry you’ve got mastitis, I know it’s easier said than done with a newborn but please take time to rest.

I stopped bf without developing mastitis. From
advice of my local feeding team, I used cold compresses, frozen cabbage leaves and expressed a little to ease the engorgement. I didn’t massage the area and avoided hot showers to make sure I didn’t stimulate the area. It took a bit of time for my supply to ease off and I was quite uncomfortable with it.
Could got phone your local feeding team for advice?

Thanks so much for your reply.
I'll reach out to my public health nurse and see if she can advise.
I feel like I've failed for wanting to stop so soon but how I've felt the last couple of days with mastitis really makes me never ever want to have it again

Oh god OP I feel you. I got mastitis with my second and it was the worst thing ever.
As PP has suggested make sure to rest and look after yourself.
I used the white cabbage leaves, and bound myself really really tight as I had quite a big supply. Took a few days to settle down tbf and boobs were big and sore and leaky.
Are you able to speak with the GP to ask for something to help stop flow?
Wishing you all the best with getting over this x

Mastitis is horrific, so sending lots of sympathy your way.

I second the advice about cold cabbage leaves, it really helps. If you're happy doing so, feeding through it can help it pass. Also take ibuprofen for the swelling and paracetamol for the pain. If you do want to stop I think the usual advice is to do it gradually, swapping one feed every couple of days for formula so your body dials down milk production slowly, so you're less likely to get really engorged. It could be worth talking to the GP or health visitor too in case there's any medication they can recommend.

Please don’t feel like you’ve failed!
You need to look after yourself as well as your baby and if stopping breastfeeding makes you feel happier and more comfortable then that’s the best thing for you and your child.
I felt awful stopping breastfeeding and still have pangs of guilt but then I remember how much happier I felt and how I felt more me again and was able to be more present with my baby.

Hi, I’m in a similar position as you. Any luck with dropping breastfeeding without getting mastitis?

@Stuckinarutneedshelp so sorry you're in the same position.
I actually weaned down BF while I was on the antibiotics and I took Sudafed too (to reduce my milk supply)

@coffeewithmilk I’ve just started my antibiotics and taking Sudafed too. Thanks for your tips, did you find that your supply dried up quickly afterwards? My LO is currently only having two-three bottles of formula a day but bf 6-7 times too. It’s mentally and physically too much.

@Stuckinarutneedshelp it dried up in around 1-2 weeks (but I had a very very big supply) so I expect it would take less time if you have a lower supply
I tried to naturally wean off BF on my first baby and it took a lot longer