Is it ok to stop pumping for a while?

I exclusively pump for my son. For the last couple of weeks I have a really bad fungal infection on one breast with skin breaking out with pus and what not. Have been prescribed an ointment which seems to be working but super slow. On the other breast I have a heat boil. Now both my breast hurt very badly every time I pump. I feel like it makes the conditions worse. I used to pump like 6-8 a day and now it's down to 3 times due to pain. I can see my supply has gone half already. I'm hoping it would come back when I go back to my schedule. My hubby keeps telling me to stop pumping for a few days to let it heal properly but I'm worried I would loose my supply. I intend to provide BM until he's 2. Any advice would be appreciated.

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Personally, I would put my health first. If your body needs to heal then, let it! If you continue to pump, you could make the condition worse which could result in having to stop altogether. Look up relactating, as it is possible if your supply gets low due to the break.

I was also pumping, had an infection as well, and decided to drop the pumps, but I didn't stop it completely, just fewer pumps for a few days till my boobies healed. Yes, the milk decreases, but it increases again once you start pumping more and more. This was my experience, but I would definitely see a doctor. Hope you feel better soon!

Ouch! Contact the breastfeeding and lactation support uk group on Facebook they have experts giving advice who will reply within a day. Can your gp also give you some safe Painkillers? I have codydramol for endometriosis which is safe for BF and cleared by many doctors Also why not consider taking stronger Painkillers if just for a few days, you could pump and dump the milk from that time or indeed for until you're healed. Give cow milk in the meantime if tolerated. No reason to suffer to keep the supply! Please also get a new pump or at least new breast shield for when it's healed as that may be causing you to get reinfected with the fungus

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