Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that often leads to a temporary drop in milk production. This condition, which may or may not involve a bacterial infection, causes localized swelling and discomfort that makes milk removal difficult. A reduction in milk volume while recovering is common. Recovery focuses on actively signaling to the body that milk demand remains high, restoring the pre-mastitis supply through specific mechanical stimulation.
The Physiological Impact of Mastitis on Production
The decrease in milk supply after mastitis results from the acute inflammatory response within the breast. When tissue becomes inflamed, the resulting swelling compresses milk-producing structures, physically impeding milk flow out of the breast. This compression slows the rate at which milk is removed from the alveoli.
The body perceives this incomplete removal as a signal to slow production, following the principle of supply and demand. Pain and systemic symptoms, like fever and fatigue, also lead to less frequent or less effective milk removal sessions. This reduction in stimulation reinforces the signal to produce less milk, causing a measurable drop in output. The goal of recovery is to quickly override this negative feedback loop.
Intensive Milk Removal Protocols
Restoring milk supply requires consistent mechanical stimulation to re-establish the demand signal for the mammary gland. The fundamental strategy involves increasing the frequency of milk removal to a minimum of eight to twelve times within a twenty-four-hour period. This high frequency is necessary even if the initial output during each session is very low, as it repeatedly stimulates the prolactin receptors responsible for milk synthesis.
Power Pumping
To maximize the hormonal response, one effective method is “power pumping,” which mimics the natural cluster feeding pattern of an infant. A common power pumping schedule involves a one-hour session consisting of a 20-minute pump, a 10-minute rest, a 10-minute pump, a 10-minute rest, and a final 10-minute pump. Implementing this pattern once a day can rapidly increase the demand signal sent to the body.
Focusing on the Affected Side
The breast that experienced mastitis typically lags behind the unaffected side in recovery. To prioritize drainage, begin every feeding or pumping session on that breast, as this is when milk removal is most vigorous. After a regular session, adding a short, five to ten-minute pump exclusively on the affected side provides the extra stimulation needed to encourage a quicker rebound in localized production.
Equipment Check and Technique
Efficiency during these intensive sessions requires checking your equipment. Ensure that your breast pump flanges are the correct size, as improper sizing can lead to pain, damage, and inefficient milk removal. Confirm that your pump motor is functioning at optimal suction and speed settings to ensure effective drainage. While gentle compression can be used during pumping, excessive or aggressive massage should be avoided, as it can worsen inflammation and tissue trauma.
Assessing Recovery and Specialized Support
Monitoring the recovery process involves tracking specific data points to confirm that the intensive protocols are working. The most practical home method is tracking the total daily milk volume expressed across all sessions, noting any gradual increase over several days. A more comprehensive assessment can be performed by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), who can measure pre- and post-feeding weights to accurately determine the volume of milk transferred to the baby.
You should expect to see a noticeable increase in supply within three to seven days of consistently implementing the intensive removal protocols. Signs that supply is not recovering include persistent severe fullness, recurrence of clogs, or prolonged unevenness in output between the two breasts. If these signs persist, or if protocols are not yielding results within one week, seek professional guidance.
A consultation with an IBCLC provides a personalized plan tailored to your situation, including checking the baby’s latch, assessing pump fit, and addressing underlying issues. In cases where mechanical stimulation alone is insufficient, a physician or IBCLC may discuss the temporary use of prescription galactagogues. This decision is made after a full evaluation of the parent’s health history and response to other interventions.