Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that occurs when the milk ducts become blocked or if there is a breast infection. This is a very painful condition, especially if it is not treated for a long time. During treatment, the main problem that needs to be addressed is pain.
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Method 1 of 5: Recognizing the Symptoms of Mastitis
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms of mastitis
Symptoms of mastitis include pain, tenderness, lump, or swelling in the breast. Although it can occur at any time during breastfeeding, mastitis is most common within the first month. If symptoms do not improve within a few days, see a doctor for treatment.
- Discomfort or redness is an indication of a problem.
- A tingling sensation in the nipple at the start of a feeding session that turns to pain may be a sign of mastitis.
- Many women who develop mastitis initially think they have the flu.
Step 2. Check for lumps, swelling, or hot areas on the breasts
If you notice any of these conditions, take steps to ensure you receive proper breast care.
- Mastitis usually appears within the first four weeks of breastfeeding although it can occur at any time during breastfeeding, especially when the mother returns to work and pumps milk, or while trying to wean.
- Continue to monitor your symptoms. If there is no improvement within a few days or if symptoms worsen, contact a doctor or other medical professional immediately.
Step 3. Notice if you feel unwell
The symptoms of mastitis are somewhat similar to those of the flu. Unusual tiredness and pain, chills, headache, or fever, are indications that you may actually have an infection. This will often occur before you develop breast symptoms.
- Stress, fatigue, and new mothers have a greater chance of mastitis.
- Remember, mastitis is a disease. Get plenty of rest, and make sure your body is well hydrated. Thus, the immune system will increase.
Step 4. Ask a medical professional to determine if you need antibiotics
Discuss your symptoms with your doctor as soon as they occur. Mastitis can progress quickly to an abscess that must be treated with surgery. Some types of antibiotics are safe for breastfeeding mothers to take.
- Take the antibiotics until they run out even if you feel better. If the antibiotics are stopped before the infection is completely cured, the mastitis will come back again.
- If you don't feel better within 2-3 days of taking antibiotics, call your doctor.
Method 2 of 5: Relieve Mastitis Pain
Step 1. Feed the baby as often as possible, but slowly
Mastitis will be more painful if the breast is full so you will need to express milk to reduce the pain. Pain will be reduced if the breast is empty. If breastfeeding is too painful, use a pump.
- Feed the baby from the sore breast first. If it's too painful, start with the other breast, and once the milk has flowed smoothly, switch to the sore breast until it feels tender.
- If the baby does not empty the breast in one feeding, finish by pumping the milk until the breast is empty.
- The baby may seem reluctant to suckle from the sore breast. It's not because there's anything wrong with the milk, but because the breast feels different to the baby. Express a small amount of milk to encourage the baby to suckle.
Step 2. Use a hot compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain
Compress the sore breast for 15 minutes before feeding. The point is to reduce swelling and make the milk come out more smoothly.
- Use a warm towel fresh out of the dryer to compress the breasts.
- Also try using a warm, wet washcloth.
- Repeat this process at least 3 times per day.
Step 3. Take analgesics to reduce fever and pain
Acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen will reduce pain without causing complications for the baby. Reducing pain during mastitis will help with healing.
- Aspirin is not recommended. Aspirin is a blood thinner which can cause negative side effects for the baby. Aspirin can cause Reye's Syndrome which is a rare but serious medical condition in infants.
- Analgesics that have an anti-inflammatory effect, such as ibuprofen, will be more effective than analgesics that don't have these ingredients, such as acetaminophen.
Step 4. Alternate hot and cold compresses
While warm compresses can stimulate milk production, cold compresses will reduce pain between feedings by slowing milk production. Cold compresses also numb the pain for a while.
- A warm, wet compress, such as a warm washcloth, will be more effective than a dry compress, such as a heating pad.
- You can make a cold compress by crushing an ice cube in a plastic bag, then wrapping it in a soft, thin towel. Bags of frozen fruit or vegetables can also be used. Place a cold compress on the breast until it doesn't feel cold anymore, about 1–15 minutes.
Step 5. Take frequent warm baths throughout the day
Massage the sore breast while bathing. Warm water will increase blood circulation and aid healing, while massage can reduce blockages in the milk ducts.
- Direct a stream of warm water directly at the sore breast.
- Set the water temperature as hot as you can tolerate.
- Taking a bath and making sure your breasts are fully immersed in a warm bath sprinkled with Epsom salt will also speed healing and reduce pain.
- You can also soak your breasts in a bowl of warm water.
Step 6. Massage the breast before feeding
This will help improve blood circulation and reflexes so that the milk will flow smoothly. Make sure you massage gently. Rough treatment of the breasts can increase swelling.
- Find the most painful spot on the breast with two fingers. From there, rub gently in a circular motion. First massage clockwise, then counterclockwise. Repeat as often as possible from different angles.
- Massage will help remove the milk that has accumulated and clogs the milk ducts.
Step 7. Feed the baby as often as possible
Try to breastfeed at least every 2 hours. The best way to speed healing is to empty the breast. Full breasts also hurt, so breastfeeding is a natural way to reduce pain.
- Wake baby up at night and during long naps to add to the feeding session.
- Don't bottle the baby. If your baby refuses to feed, keep trying. Don't be discouraged if your baby doesn't want to breastfeed. Keep trying and offer breast milk to her as often as possible.
Step 8. Try different breastfeeding positions
Thus, the pressure will spread over some of the clogged drains. Use a pillow when breastfeeding to make it more comfortable and reduce pain.
- One recommended position is to bend over to the baby resting on hands and knees. Let the breast hang freely. Lower your body until your breast reaches your baby's mouth until he starts sucking.
- If you're in a public place, try a modified position. While holding the baby in your lap, lower your body until the breasts fall towards the baby. This position will empty the milk ducts more effectively than other positions.
Method 3 of 5: Using Natural Remedies
Step 1. Stick raw potato slices on the breast within 24 hours after the first symptoms
This is the treatment recommended by Bridget Lynch, RM, Community Midwives of Toronto to reduce the pain, swelling, and redness associated with mastitis.
- Slice the potatoes lengthwise into 6–8 slices, and place them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes. Remove some potato slices from the water and place them on the sore breast.
- Let stand for 15-20 minutes, then remove and discard. Replace with a new slice.
- Continue for up to 1 hour for a total of 3 pasting. Rest for about 30 minutes, then repeat the procedure.
Step 2. Glue the raw and chilled cabbage strands into the bra
Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties. This method is recommended by herbal practitioners as a natural treatment to reduce inflammation and help remove infection from the breast milk ducts.
- Change the cabbage strands every hour.
- Some women report decreased milk production with this method. Stop using cabbage blades if your milk production is decreasing
Step 3. Try to eat 1 clove of raw garlic every day
Herbal practitioners consider raw garlic to be one of nature's most powerful antibiotics. Peel the skin before eating. After that, drink a glass of water to reduce the sharp taste.
- If desired, chop the garlic and mix it with the butter. Spread over bread or steamed vegetables. That way, you can still get the antibiotics in garlic in a way that may be tastier.
- Watch your baby's reaction if you eat garlic. Babies may not like the influence of garlic on the taste or smell of breast milk. Pay attention to whether the stomach is problematic and if so, stop consuming garlic.
Step 4. Drink echinacea root tinctures
Echinacea stimulates the immune system and helps fight infection. The recommended dose is 1 drop of tincture for every 1 kg of body weight.
- Dissolve the tincture in water or directly on the tongue.
- The recommended dose is 3-5 times per day, but some herbal practitioners suggest up to 12 doses per day.
Method 4 of 5: Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle
Step 1. Eat healthy and anti-inflammatory foods
Avoid sugar and processed products. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains like brown rice and bulgur.
- Choose lean proteins, such as chicken and fish.
- Use lots of spices, such as ginger, curry, and turmeric. The spice has anti-inflammatory properties that will help relieve pain.
Step 2. Eat omega-3 foods
Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cold-water fish, such as salmon and cod, are excellent sources of omega-3s. You can also use fish oil supplements.
- Flax seeds, walnuts, avocados, and other heart-healthy nuts also provide omega-3s.
Step 3. Get plenty of rest
Rest will increase the body's ability to fight infection. Ask other people for help if it's hard for you to find time to sleep.
- Rest with the baby in bed. This makes the baby suckle more often so that breast pain is reduced. Rest together also forms a bond between you and your baby.
- Sleep in a supine position, do not face down, so that the breasts are not compressed. Sleeping on your side is fine as long as you don't tend to roll over into the bed so that your breasts are compressed.
- Take off your bra before going to bed. If you can't wear a bra day and night, don't wear a bra at all.
Step 4. Avoid pressure on the breasts by tight clothing
Wear loose and comfortable clothing. Avoid tight T-shirts or blouses, or any type of clothing that puts pressure on your breasts.
- Wear a supportive bra, if you must wear a bra. Underwire bras are not recommended.
- For swimwear, choose one that is not too tight.
- Avoid clothing that rubs or presses on the nipple.
Step 5. Drink lots of water
Additional fluids that are drunk will help remove toxins from the body and speed up healing.
- Drinking water also helps lower body temperature and makes you feel comfortable.
- Water can also be used to dilute fruit and vegetable juices.
Method 5 of 5: Finding the Right Breast Care
Step 1. Find information about breast care techniques while breastfeeding
Talk to your doctor or midwife, or seek out a lactation specialist if necessary.
- Do not clean the nipples with soap because soap causes dryness. Clean with water only.
- Use a mild, unscented detergent to wash bras and underwear.
- After feeding, remove a small amount of milk and rub it on the nipple. This will moisturize and clean the nipples, better than breast creams.
- If you need breast cream because your nipples are dry and cracked, use lanolin.
Step 2. Read articles on pregnancy and baby education websites
These sites usually have categories aimed at breastfeeding mothers and conditions that may accompany them, including mastitis. Gather as much information as possible from these sources.
- One organization that provides education, support and encouragement to breastfeeding mothers worldwide is La Leche League International.
- Look for new moms groups in your area. If not, look for forums on the internet. There are many new mothers who find support and encouragement from others on internet forums.
- Remember, mastitis is a common condition while breastfeeding. You are not alone.
Step 3. Identify conditions that can cause mastitis
Mastitis can still develop in the absence of the following conditions, but eliminating these risk factors can help reduce the chances of mastitis developing and speed up recovery.
- Cracked and bleeding nipples allow bacteria to enter the breast. This can happen when the baby cannot suck properly.
- Missing several feeding sessions or the interval between feedings that are longer than usual can result in breast engorgement. If the breasts are swollen, the milk ducts become blocked, and that increases the risk of developing mastitis.
- Stress, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep can reduce the body's ability to fight infection.
Warning
- If your condition worsens during treatment, contact your doctor immediately. This situation may require different measures, such as new antibiotics, emptying the breast, or surgically removing an abscess that has formed.
- Call your doctor as soon as you suspect the development of mastitis.
