This sounds similar to the mechanisms that result in decreased milk supply following engorgement, which makes me think that it's not actually the infection that causes the drop in milk supply, but rather that the decrease in milk supply is caused by the inflammation (and resulting changes in permeability) and/or reduced emptying due to discomfort of nursing/pumping. The severity of the inflammation would be related to the severity/length of the infection, with no direct link between the infection and the loss of milk supply. Therefore, responding to any symptoms early and pumping/nursing like mad on the affected side would seem to be the way to avoid a loss of milk supply (as Cathy said below). Does this make sense to those of you have looked into this in detail? Ingrid LLLC Leader IBCLC The reduction in supply following inflammation appears to be related to two main mechanisms, one is destruction of lactocytes resulting from the inflammation and infection and the other is a change in paracellular pathway permeability and loss of lactose and subsequently fluid from the milk space into the interstitium. Loss of supply is generally related to the severity and extent of the infection or inflammation. Best bet in preventing this problem is to prevent the mastitis occuring in the first place, particularly avoiding nipple trauma and ensuring good milk removal, if mastitis does occur, its very important to make sure it is treated promptly and milk is removed often and frequently to enhance function of the remaining unaffected lactocytes. regards Cathy Fetherston IBCLC PhD *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome *********************************************** Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html To reach list owners: [log in to unmask] Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask] COMMANDS: 1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail 2. To start it again: set lactnet mail 3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet 4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome