Mastitis with toddler nursing....too much?

[CountryMommy]

Hi, I have a nursing 14month old. He was slow getting started on solids but eats solids well now, whatever the rest of the family is eating. He usually nurses 2-3xs during the day and usually 4-8 times during the night. I haven't had mastitis in over a year and thought I wouldn't get it again as my baby is getting so big. Then yesterday afternoon I developed mastitis, it came on suddenly and was extremely painful. My toddler has skipped nursing sessions before when we are out and about and he's too busy. I never had any problems in the past year. So after fever, chills, pain, etc set it, I went to er last night and got put on nystatin. The doctor also said that I am nursing him way too often, at 14 months he hardly needs any breast milk any more.

I know he nurses more at this age, then my oldest son did at the same age but I've figured that all babies are different and he would know how much he needs. He is a healthy toddler.

Does it sound like I am nursing him too often? I thought breast feeding on demand was ok? I never force him to nurse, he will climb up on me when he wants a snack and we both enjoy sleeping together night nursing. How often do/did your 14month old babies nurse?

[Marissamom]

The doc doesn't know what he's talking about. there's no reason for a 14 month old to need to be limited. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/toddlernursing.html there's a huge range of what is "normal" for young toddlers. and some need the nutrition of breastmilk a lot more than others. 

[CountryMommy]

Thank you so much for your response! And for the link, that was very helpful and made me feel better about my nurslings routine

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by Marissamom 

The doc doesn't know what he's talking about. there's no reason for a 14 month old to need to be limited. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/bfextended/toddlernursing.html there's a huge range of what is "normal" for young toddlers. and some need the nutrition of breastmilk a lot more than others. 

That doc is misinformed about nursing toddlers.

Hope you feel better soon, and yay for you and your nursling!

[Lady Love]

Almost all my son's calories were from nursing at that age. I had problems with mastitis due to missed feedings as well. Keeping the afflicted breast as empty as possible and resting were essential. Good Luck!