End of Mastitis; hard, milk-free breast?

[MamabearTo4]

Hi, mamas -

I have treated my mastitis with poke root, echinacea, aloe and heat and have a new issue - my poor right breast is very hard, like it's full of milk, yet I can pump no more than about an ounce after 15 min. and Seamus (5 months) refuses to nurse on that side! I get him all cozied in and sated on the L side and then switch. He'll latch, give a few pulls, then turn his head away. He gets angry if I try to get him to latch on over and over again. My nipple is really hard and seems to just blend in with the areola, and when I pump, it turns white and kinda burns/hurts. There is a little callous/blister at the tip of my nipple that seems to burn all the time.

What am I missing?

[MamabearTo4]

This CAN'T be a phenomenon, mamas! Please?!?!

[bri276]

just keep pumping, keep offering at each feed, and be assured that even if it dried up completely, one breast would be enough to feed your ds well into toddler-hood.
I've had mastitis 6 times, and each time my supply would be down for a couple of days, then come back. it sounds like you still have clogged ducts, so massage (especially where it hurts) while pumping.

[MamabearTo4]

You're right - I do still have a couple of plugged ducts, but the poke root is supposed to help with that. These are on top of my breast, and when the mastitis was bad, it was the whole underside of my breast.

What I can't figure out, though, is why he will not nurse on that side! He'll happily take the bottle of pumped milk, so I doubt the problem is the taste. It's almost like he doesn't like the feel of the nipple in his mouth... I did notice today that I have what looks like a little blood blister at 12:00 on my nipple.

I can't believe you've had mastitis six times! It knocked me on my but for days - IhopeIhopeIhope I never get it again.

Here's the kicker - Seamus is my fourth babe. I know how to nurse and I know that I need to take it easy. Since he's been born, I've had nothing but issues with nursing him! He's healthy and strong, so it's all been worth it. My nipples and breasts, though, feel like they've been through the wringer! I'm soooo sore ALL THE TIME it really bothers me to even change my shirt - anything touching or rubbing against my nipples makes me want to cry! So I only change my clothes when I'm covered in snot or food or when I get to leave the house!

[dukeswalker]

Make sure you're applying lots of heat throughout the day - especially before pumping. Soak in a tub (or even just your breast) with hot as you can stand it water. Take a shower, direct the hot water over the area of your breast you're having problems with.