Hi all,

I have a mom that had a pretty severe mastitis on the left side -- on
antibiotics, the whole bit.  Baby is about 4 weeks old.  Milk supply good on
both sides, baby bf without difficulty until mastitis (don't ask me how she
got it, I don't know -- no plugged duct; just sudden flu-like symptoms, red
br, the whole bit.).  Mom on appropriate drug, but milk supply completely
diminished on left side, despite continual nursing on it.  Since about 3 days
into mastitis, baby essentially refusing that br; will nurse briefly then cry
& pull away.  Br soft, squishy, no fullness.  Mom rented classic pump and has
been putting baby to that br first each feeding (every 2 to 3 hours) then
pumping 3 or 4 times a day on that side about an hour after a feed.  Most she
has gotten is 1 ounce with pumping, and says she feels as though her let down
is "slow" and she only lets down "half way".  Very discouraged; has been
diligently working on bringing milk supply back up on that side for about 6
days.  Wonders when/if milk supply will come back in.

Having seen many moms for whom the milk seems to go down and never regain its
full supply on a mastitis side, wondered if anyone had any other suggestions.
 She could go to one sided nursing if need be, but wondered if there is
anything else she can do.  She has tried hot compresses, massage -- we are
going to try fenugreek.  Anything else?

TIA

Jan B.