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

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