Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast that may involve an infection. The word mastitis itself means inflammation of breast tissue. Infection arises when milk stasis occurs. (a buildup of milk inside the breast) and fever of 101 as well as possible nausea, body aches and chills. Not always does a fever have to occur. A fever can also occur without the presence of infection and can merely be caused by severe engorgement. This can also be accompanied by swollen, red hard area on breast.
Some possible underlying causes of mastitis
- Skipped feedings.
- Older baby that is sleeping through the night
- Possible plugged duct
- Is mother fatigued/ill.
- Are there cracks in nipple?
Typically, treatment does not begin until after 24 to 48 hours of persistent symptoms. Approximately 50 % of women who begin antibiotic treatment do not need it in the first place.
Nonmedicinal treatment
Nonmedicinal treatment would involve frequent milk removal preferably by baby, but hand expression or pumping is also an option if mom is in too much pain to latch. Cold compresses applied frequently will aid in reducing inflammation. Performing lymphatic drainage which involves gentle, very light pressure on your breast and moving towards your armpit. Do not apply strong pressure. This pressure is feather light and involves upward stroking towards the collar bone. This will help relieve inflammation by moving fluids to the lymph glands for drainage. Also performing breast gymnastics several times a day will help as well. You can do this as follows:
1. Cup both hands under one breast.
2. Lift breast up and down
3. Move you breast easily to right then to the left
4. Move your breast gently in a clockwise then counterclockwise motion in a complete circle.
5. Repeat on the other breast.
When the above has been used for 24 to 48 hours and fever or body aches begin, typically antibiotics are prescribed.
Ways to avoid mastitis
- Encourage your baby to feed when your breasts feel full
- Feed frequently
- Change positions while breastfeeding
- Ensure a proper latch
- Do breast gymnastics 3 to 4 times a day before feeding
- Avoid wearing a tight bra
- Stay hydrated
- Rest
