The Dreaded Mastitis

The Mastitis Problem

Hi moms! I’ve been researching a problem some of you might have. 
It’s called mastitis. It’s when a breast has become infected.

We’ll talk about the symptoms, causes, and remedies for it. Also, 
ways to prevent mastitis.

Breastfeeding is usually a very emotional experience for a mom and
baby, cause breastfeeding greatly strengthens the bond between
them.

Breastfeeding can also be a real nightmare though, if the breast 
becomes infected.

The infection can be so extreme that the tissue of the affected breast
becomes hardened and red.

In the worst case, it can become a very painful abscess that has to
be surgically removed.

Early Signs

Some symptoms that can alert you are:

“Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch

Breast swelling

Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump

Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding

Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern

Generally feeling ill

Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater”   read more

Causes

Bacteria

Moms are exposed to bacteria like everyone else. Our immune
system usually takes care of it.

The bacteria might get through the skin, though. Then it
becomes a problem.

Bacteria from baby’s mouth, for example. It can pass through a break 
in the skin around the nipple.

Obstruction

If a milk duct gets blocked, milk might bunch up inside and
cause swelling. That can lead to mastitis.

A blocked milk duct does not mean you have mastitis.  It can
become infected though, if not cleared quick enough.

Some Moms More At Risk

“The following may increase your risk of developing mastitis:

breastfeeding for the first few weeks after childbirth

sore or cracked nipples

using only one position to breastfeed

wearing a tight fitting bra

previous episodes of mastitis

extreme tiredness or fatigue

In these situations, you are at risk of a milk buildup within one or both
breasts, or at risk of infection of the breast tissue.”   read more

Remedies

Antibiotics

Your doctor will prolly give you antibiotics and recommend a pain
killer, like Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

Many moms don’t want to take antibiotics, though. They believe it 
might affect baby when breastfeeding.

They try other remedies, first.

Keep Breastfeeding

No matter which remedies you try, keep breastfeeding your baby for
as long as possible. 

The milk from the affected breast should not harm baby.

Mastitis usually indicates that the breasts have become blocked.
There is no better way to get rid of this blockage than to
breastfeed baby regularly.

Massage The Affected Breast

While the child is drinking, use your finger to massage the affected
breast. In this way you can help the blocked milk duct get cleared
again.

Massage the infected area of ​​the breast – always towards the
nipple.

Also, feed from the affected breast, first. “Feed on the affected
breast first. If the breast is too painful, start on the comfortable side
then switch back to the affected breast after let-down.

If your baby is not yet breastfeeding continue to express and
massage the breast over the blocked area down towards the nipple.

Try feeding or expressing while leaning forward so gravity may aid
in draining the breast.”   read more

Eat Raw Garlic

A natural alternative to using antibiotics is to eat some raw cloves
of garlic.

Garlic has no negative side effects that can often occur with
manufactured drugs.

And you can safely consume garlic even while breastfeeding.
Too much garlic might cause gas in baby, though. Eat no more than
one or two cloves a day.

Take Hot Shower

Stand under a hot shower and let the water flow directly on the
affected breast. This will help clear the blocked milk ducts, fight
inflammation and relieve pain.

Get Enough Rest

Make sure you have enough rest. As with any infection, your body
works overtime to get rid of the pain even with mastitis.

It is important then that you allow yourself enough rest to support
your immune system in its fight against the infection.

Take Echinacea

The medicinal herb Echinacea is an immunostimulant and helps the
body fight off infections.

If the mastitis has not been resolved after using natural healing
methods, you should consult your doctor so that the infection
does not become worse.

How to prevent it?

As with any other health condition, the best remedy for mastitis is
good prevention.

Loose Bra

Do not Wear a bra that fits too tight. Wear one that fits loose and 
is comfy. Tight bras can cause a plugged milk duct.

Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet will help to strengthen your immune system
against infections of all kinds.

Feed Baby Often

Breastfeed your baby very often. This will help prevent the milk
ducts from becoming blocked.

Pump

If your baby is not breastfed regularly enough, at least pump
breast milk with a breast pump.

Breast Fullness

“Avoid letting your breasts become overly full. If your breasts feel
full or hard between nursing sessions, pump or hand express a
small amount of milk.

If you have a clogged duct, apply warm compresses and gently
massage the breast.”   read more

Remember moms, baby also suffers from the inflamed breast of the
mom, cause very severe mastitis can lead to breastfeeding
having to be stopped completely.

So, whatever treatment you decide on, I hope works for you…and
baby!

Have a great day!

courtesy IntermountainMoms@youtube.com

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