9 day old refusing right side

[nandodianenicole]

My baby is refusing to nurse on the right. On Sunday I had a pain and thought maybe plugged duct as we are having some sore/cracked nipple issues. I pumped out a bit and nursed him on that side often that day. I put hot towels on the area while I nursed him and tried to massage the area. In the eve I started getting chills and had a fever of 102. My mw thought I may have mastitis and called in an antibiotic which I did not pick up, I wanted to see if I felt better in the am. I did, after sweating all night and not realising I had nursed ds in the middle of the night.
Yesterday he was fussy around that side, but nursed. Today he flat out refuses that side. I picked up the antibiotics today and took one just now. We had a pedi visit and the pedi also thought that breast looked red and hard. I pumped this morning and just now. We are hoping to see a LC soon about the nipple issues but now this happens.
Ok, long post but my questions are:
Will he ever nurse that side again?
Do I pump and bottle feed or should I just nurse my left side (which will make me sorer: )
I hope the antibiotics clear up whatever is making him refuse that side. It does feel really hard around the nipple, it leaks like crazy all the time. Any of you ever experience this?

[tanyalynn]

It does sound like mastitis, but I'm not an expert. I'd either feed baby or pump and feed that milk via spoon. I was going to suggest a different hold (like the football clutch if you usually do a cradle/cross-cradle), but it doesn't sound like that's really the issue. Assuming it's mastitis, after it's cleared up, I think the baby will go back to that side just fine. I hope you feel better soon.

[Whisper-ma-Phone]

I'm sure it's only temporary. Keep trying to get baby to take that side. If that doesn't work, be sure to keep pumping.

There are a couple things you can try to get baby to take that side. Try to latch baby when he is sleepy. You could also try to switch breasts without changing positions. For example, if you are nursing baby on the left in cradle/cross cradle, simply slide baby across to the right side for a kind-of-modified football hold. This can work, though it may be awkward.

Good luck!

[momuveight2B]

It is OK to take over the counter pain relievers if you need them. Pain can inhibit your letdown and mastitus is very painful. It will take a few days for the antibiotics to work. Stay in bed with baby and lots of fluids. He will take that side again. I would pump but try not to bottle because that will start new problems. He can get a complete meal on one side. Keep offering and call your local LLL leader for support. They are usually on call round the clock but are mommies too so best to call in daytime hours except for emergencies.
It is really important to take a "babymoon" of four to six weeks postpartum where someone else does the household duties so that you can and baby can get breastfeeding well established. Strolls are OK but no dieting or vigorous exercise.
It's a good sign that the sore breast is leaking. The breast has to drain. See if you are more comfortable going without a bra and even topless until this heals.
Be sure that you are offering to nurse at least every two hours round the clock, you count from the beginning of one feeding to the beginning of the next. No need to watch the clock but any time baby shows signs of alertness then put him on the breast. Try the sore side before he gets cranky or fully awake. If you are feeling full then wake up baby and put him back on the breast. Feeds don't have to be long but you should try to always wait and let him decide when he is done, then he will come off naturally.
Are you getting a good latch and has someone evaluated that? A poor latch can lead to a lot of problems so it is really important that you both learn how to correct it as needed.

Congratulations on your new baby and hope you feel better soon!