In Hospital with Mastitis- Do I Wean?

o my that is a hard one. have you consulted with at least a few great lactation consultants? they can answer all the questions you have! I am so sorry this has to be very hard for you

I didn't have to be hospitalized, but I am on week 9 of antibiotics for mastitis which was finally cultured to be MRSA. It's been an extremely stubborn infection which ultimately abcessed to a spot about the size of my palm. The infection decimated my milk supply, and I had no choice but to formula feed since she absolutely refused my breasts- even the good one, and even the pumped milk (the doctor said it sometimes tastes bad with an infection). I struggled with the decision to switch to formula or to continue to try and force the breastmilk, but we are ALL happier now that I did switch to formula. I am not saying you should do this, but I just couldn't subject my baby to week after week after week of different antibiotics, and the pain was torturing me. As for weaning- When she got hungry enough, she drank it. It was as simple as that.
I have another month of antibiotics to take, and I hope it will be gone finally. I know I am so tired of being sick and tired, and I have a four year old to take of as well. As for my daughter, she is fat and happy on the formula.
I hope you get better soon! I know you will make the right decision for you and your baby, whatever that is...

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I went through the same thing, five days in the hospital when my second was two weeks old. I was VERY reluctant to wean. My doctor and a breast specialist finally had to say "listen, this really isn't a choice". I had to do in because my breasts don't drain properly.

It was the hardest thing I ever did. Emotionally I was a wreck, partly because I was still so hormonal. I felt like ias abandoning my baby's needs. But, I did it and she was fine and learned to take the bottle just fine. Once it was all over I felt such a relief. I wasn't worried about being sick anymore. I wasn't being taken away from my older child anymore, and it didn't hurt my bond with the baby.

Do it. Wean. You need to, for yourself and your family. Private messgae me if you want to talk more about it. **sorry about the spelling, I'm on my iPhone.

According to the IBCLC (international board of certificated lactation consultants), DO NOT WEAN!! The baby nursing will actually help draw out the infection, continue to nurse. The composition of the breast milk with change and can actually benefit the baby by giving her some extra immune boosters. The parents, in-laws, or doctors can not make up your mind for you. This is your baby and you have to do what is best for the both of you and that is breast milk. Nurse her more frequently and make sure the breast is emptied before moving on to the other side, if necessary pump after baby is done. Don't limit her time on the breast. Massage the breast as she's nursing. With rest, fluids and antibiotics your supply will come back.
Don't hesitate to call a le leche league in your area or consult with an IBCLC member. Good luck!!

I also kept getting mastitis so I stopped wearing breast pads and bras. I only wear a bra when I go out (of course). And I pumped for longer periods of time (I used to pump for 5-8 min but started pumping for 15-20 minutes instead). I am happy to say that I haven't gotten mastitis again. Maybe you can evaluate what you are doing that might be causing mastitis. In the end if you decide to wean don't beat yourself up about it.

Try doing 1/2 BM and 1/2 formula and then gradually increase the amount of formula. It might take some time.

I am so sorry that you are struggling with this. I understand how painful it can be. Although I was never admitted to the hospital I had blocked ducts and Mastitis almost continuously for 5 months with my first. They started when she was 3 months old in November and ended in April. I was constantly debating with myself if I should quit. Every time I would get a blocked ducts the pain was so awful that I would say I was quitting as soon as it was gone (I didn't want to stop while I had a block because I wanted my baby to get the block out) then when it was gone and I felt better I would stop, then a week later it would happen all over again. Finally they just stopped happening, I think my milk regulated it self better (I have oversupply), and I was able to nurse her until she was 18 months.
If you really dont want to wean then I just want to encourage you to talk to a lactation consultant or another doctor and see if there is anything else you can do. I know it is painful and very difficult. Don't beat yourself up no matter what decision you make. The most important thing is a happy mom.

Do you bottle feed regularly? That is usually the main reason Moms get mastitis. If you nurse constantly and change positions frequently - mastitis is rare. Probiotics, lots of water, oatmeal and nursing from the breast are all ways to lower the reoccurrences of mastitis.

I would keep nursing, but stop completely or at least lower the amount of times your infant gets bottles.

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Hi C.. :) I want you to know that I went through a similar thing with my first baby. It was like since I got it once when he was a couple weeks old, it was going to just keep coming back. I continued BFing. I went to see a breast specialist who also suggested I wean. I did not. I started to learn the signs and tried to prevent it by drinking lots of water, rest, feeding regularly, making sure to switch sides,etc. When I would feel it coming on,I would shower and pump to relieve it, take motrin and rest. It usually seemed like it was a clogged duct that started it. With my second baby, I do not have the same milk production in that breast but I have not had the same problems. Good luck. :)

I would encourage you to not wean (if you don't want to!), but to nurse nurse nurse! Contact your local Le Leche Legue group for more specific help and support. They can put you in contact with a International, Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. Frankly, most doctors are not trained in the ins and outs of breastfeeding (and the issues that can come with it), and often offer well-meaning but unnecessary encouragement to wean. Good luck, I'm sure this feels so hard. Breastfeeding is an AMAZING gift to your daughter, and if ouy're not convinced that now is the time to do it, then it probably isn't.

One more Thought: Thomas Hale, MD is a great resource on medications and breastfeeding. He's done extensive research in the field. He's written books, and also has an on-line forum that you can browse. Try this if you're worried about your mastitis meds interfering w/ nursing.

I would also urge a second opinion. As much pro-breastfeeding as I am (and I LOVED bf past one year old), you do need to take care of your own health and you do have a family to take care of.

The problem is that it sounds like your doctor suggests weaning, because they believe it's a quick fix... well it isn't. If you have a resistant bug causing the infections, you may keep getting them, even after weaning.
Frankly as D.P. said they need to figure out what exactly is causing the infection and treat it properly (there are other resistant germs out there, but MRSA is a common one). In the meanwhile nursing actually helps with the treatment by emptying your milk and flushing ducts. If you wean abruptly it might even worsen your condition.

Just one last note... if your extended family is not supportive of whatever decision you make, just don't discuss the subjects with them. Some of the worst parenting decisions I made have come from trying to appease well meaning family members and taking them up on their advice, against my better instinct. Your family, your body, your decision.
Good luck!

Wow you are trooper. Kudos to you for nursing your daughter for 5 months! Breastfeeding is more than just food - it's a special relationship between mom and baby. Unfortunately most medical professionals do not appreciate the true value of breastfeeding.
There are actually very few medical reasons that call for breastfeeding to end. Weaning is permanent and I don't believe it is your only solution.
Formula has a multitude of health risks associated with it. By feeding formula you add human error into the factor of providing nutrients to your baby - like the recent recall because of beetle infestation. I don't blame your daughter for disliking it. Formula tastes and smells disgusting - she's smart enough to know the good stuff.
I'm glad that you have reached out on this forum but I encourage you to get more personalized care. Contact your local La Leche League chapter or hire a lactation consultant. There are also local groups that have LCs available - St. Josephs Moms group, Be By Baby, Belly Bump, and more.
I am sorry to hear that you do not have a great support team behind you. It makes breastfeeding much more difficult. I hope that this post helps you find the proper resources to continue breastfeeding happily.

You need to make a decision that you will be comfortable with. If do end up weaning and your daughter still refuses to take formula, try mixing your breast milk with the formula. Start with 2oz of formula and the rest breast milk for a day or two, then up the amount of formula until all she is taking is formula. I did this with my girls, and they transitioned well. Good luck, and again, don't let anyone force you into something that you are not comfortable with. Do what is best for you and your baby!

Please, please, please do what you feel is the right thing for you and your family. Don't be convinced to wean by some people but also don't be convinced to keep breastfeeding by others either (including moms on this site who "yell" by typing 'DO NOT WEAN'). I'm sure both sets of peopole are well-meaning but only you (and to a degree your husband) can make this decision. I wish you all the best. You are in a really tough situation but you and your children will get through this. There are lots of happy healthy kids who were breastfed - and lots of happy, healthy kids who were not. All the best to you and your family!

I don't have much in the way of advice, but just wanted to say I feel for you. You're in the hospital which is no fun, and away from your family and little one, and your hormones must be crazy since you're not able to nurse. I know that it can be very difficult to get infants to accept formula and even bottles if they've never had it. My sister experienced that when she had to go back to work when her daughter was 4 mos. Her daycare center was able to give her formula in a sippy cup, but not a bottle. But when she was with my sister, she wouldn't accept anything other than the breast. Have the doctors offered any suggestions, or maybe you can consult with your pediatrician? Best of luck!

DON'T WEAN!! All the experts agree on this one - you should NOT decrease or stop nursing if you have mastitis, because it could lead to further complications. Nursing actually helps clear it up! Trust me, I've had 2 breastfed kids & mastitis a few times. Many moms unfortunately get incorrect advice when it comes to breastfeeding, particularly when problems such as this arise. Your baby is the best thing that can help you through this! Check out this link on kellymom (best online breastfeeding resource ever!):
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/mom/mastitis.html

Other things that will help include getting rid of any tight or uncomfortable clothing. DON'T wear bras with underwire! Take frequent hot baths & showers, & try to massage the hard parts out. My doctor once said mastitis is almost always caused by salt deficiency, so increase your salt intake! Try drinking some Campbell's chicken noodle soup-it's fluid you really need right now & it's super high in sodium. Try & lay down with your baby as much as possible - this will allow you the rest & nursing time you need. Nurse in lots of different positions. I remember how relieved I was when my son was nursing & I actually felt the salt cluster leave my breasts. I'd been in so much pain up until that moment. I couldn't stop kissing him - I was so grateful for his healing my mastitis!

Here's what Kellymom had to say:

What is the usual treatment for plugged ducts and mastitis?
It's always best to treat a plug immediately and aggressively to avoid escalating into mastitis.

CAUTION: Do NOT decrease or stop nursing
when you have a plugged duct or mastitis,
as this increases risk of complications (including abscess).

GENERAL SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
Plugged Duct

Rest
Adequate fluids
Nutritious foods will help to strengthen mom's immune system
Mastitis

Bed rest (preferably with baby)
Increase fluids, adequate nutrition
Get help around the house

BREASTFEEDING MANAGEMENT
-- SAME for plugged duct or mastitis
-- important to start treatment promptly

"Heat, Massage, Rest, Empty Breast"

General Nurse frequently & empty the breasts thoroughly.
Aim for nursing at least every 2 hrs. Keep the affected breast as empty as possible, but don’t neglect the other breast.
When unable to breastfeed, mom should express milk frequently and thoroughly (with a breast pump or by hand).


Before nursing Use heat & gentle massage before nursing
- Warm compress. Try using a disposable diaper: fill the diaper with hot water (try the temperature on your wrist first to avoid burns), squeeze the diaper out a bit, then put the inside of the diaper toward the breast. This will stay warm much longer than a wet cloth.
- Basin soak. Fill sink or bowl with hot water and submerge breast in water while massaging the plugged area toward the nipple. Some report better results when epsom salts are added to the water -- add a handful of epsom salts per 2 quarts (2 liters) of water. Rinse with fresh water before nursing, as baby may object to the taste.
- Hot Shower. It can be helpful to massage in the shower with a large-toothed comb. The comb should be drawn through a bar of soap until it is very soapy and then used to gently massage over the affected area in the direction of the nipple.
Loosen bra & any constrictive clothing to aid milk flow.


While nursing Nurse on the affected breast first; if it hurts too much to do this, switch to the affected breast directly after let-down.
Ensure good positioning & latch. Use whatever positioning is most comfortable and/or allows the plugged area to be massaged.
Note: Advice to point baby's chin (or nose) toward the plugged area is not necessarily going to be helpful as it is based on the idea that the milk ducts take a nice, direct route to the nipple - recent research tells us that this is not true, and that a particular duct might begin in one area of the breast but can "wander" in many different directions before terminating in any area of the nipple.
Use breast compressions.
Massage gently but firmly from the plugged area toward the nipple.
Try nursing while leaning over baby (sometimes called "dangle feeding") so that gravity aids in dislodging the plug.


After nursing Pump or hand express after nursing to aid milk drainage and speed healing.
Use cold compresses between feedings for pain & inflammation.


See also How do you treat a milk blister?

You poor thing! A hospital stay and a heart wrenching choice to make. If you were only trying to make this work with your 5-month old at home that would be one thing, but you point out that you have 2 older girls to consider here. If this is too much stress on your body you need to give yourself permission to wean.

I had severe mastitis when my son was a few months old and we did get through it, but it was really hard. Follow your instincts and do what's best for you and your family. Hope you're feeling better soon!

I too am a Bfing mom who is currently weaning. I too have three kids.

I can tell you this, I think some people just have a milk supply that is in overdrive. I have several girlfriends who needed to wean or start bottles just by pumping all the time because they too kept getting mastitis, having feelings of engorgement or having latch problems.

I think this is one of those situations that is ENTIRELY UP TO YOU.

I know you don't WANT to wean. If your a BFing mom you know "breastmilk is best". And you now also have the responsibility of other kids in the family to balance.

Perhaps the best way for you to wean is to pump exclusively now. No more BFing. That way you can get some relief from any lumps, keep giving your child BM while transitioning her to formula and then "schedule" your pumping sessions. You can then slowly decrease the amount of time spent pumping to drop your supply.

If you are sick and exhausted right now, and your supply is already low from dehydration, perhaps you can just stop "cold turkey". I have been taking a couple of Claritin to help dry me up so I don't get lumps and clogged ducts/an infection.

Although my child isn't happy that I'm weaning him (he's over 1 yr now), my OB said, "You just have to be tougher than him." He's been fussy and pulling on my shirt, but I don't give in. I just keep offering a sippy cup with cold cow's milk, shush him, hug him and let him settle down. He's already "getting it".

I don't think your daughter will "starve herself" so try not to stress about it. Find a formula she likes and just stick with it. Have Dad or the grandparents feed her so she doesn't try to nuzzle up to you. That will help the transition be easier if other people are feeding her.

I know you are sad. I know you don't WANT to do this. But maybe you need to this for yourself first. Then for your family. The baby will be ok.

Best wishes Mama!

I had to wean my son early (not by choice, for his health), and he did not l like formula at first. I had lots of milk in the freezer, so we mixed the two. We started with maybe 2 ounces of formula mixed with 6 ounces of breast milk. The slowly increase the amount of formula. Also, just a tip for quick feeding and middle of the night feedings, temperature doesn't matter (just don't burn him) We slowly got our son used to drinking room temperature bottles, slightly cold bottles and eventually bottles straight out of the fridge. That was a lifesaver at 3 am!