Breastfeeding is one of the most natural but sometimes not the easiest processes. Along with certain nuances, there are some common breastfeeding problems that can occur in young breastfeeding mothers ( Hardening of the breasts ). One of these is mastitis, a condition in which the breast tissue becomes inflamed and sore.
Mostly mastitis occurs in women who are breastfeeding, but those who are not breastfeeding can also develop a variant of mastitis such as periductal mastitis. The condition is caused by a bacterial infection in the milk ducts due to a cracked or sore nipple, or even a nipple piercing.
Lactational mastitis is a serious problem because it makes breastfeeding painful and can interfere with the process of decanting or even jeopardize the milk supply. Treatment needs to be done in a timely manner to help mother and baby stay healthy, as well as protect the mother’s milk.
Here are answers to all the most common questions about what mastitis is, the symptoms of mastitis and how to care for your breasts while breastfeeding. If you have any questions, please consult a specialist.
Symptoms of mastitis
What is mastitis? In addition to pain and discomfort, symptoms of mastitis can also include fatigue and feeling exhausted. Early symptoms of mastitis include:
- fever and/or flu-like symptoms;
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- yellowish discharge from the nipples;
- breasts become warm or hot to the touch;
- breasts take on shades of pink or red color.
These symptoms of mastitis are similar to the signs of inflammation of the breast, but there is an important distinction between the two. Mastitis differs from inflammation in that it usually affects only one part of the breast, rather than both mammary glands completely.
You may notice that when the mastitis passes, you produce less milk than you did before the infection. This is temporary, the amount of milk will recover and frequent feeding and contact with your baby will help.
Hardening of the breasts during breastfeeding
Mastitis can occur in a young mom at any time, but most often it occurs within the first two to three weeks after delivery. This condition is caused by long breaks between feedings, such as when the baby sleeps at night.
Other causes of mastitis include the following:
- improper milk decanting;
- incomplete decanting of milk from the breast, e.g. due to blockage of the milk duct;
- swelling of the breast that goes unattended;
- constant pressure on one part of the breast;
- trauma to the breast caused by a wound or blow.
In general, mastitis is usually caused by milk remaining still in the mammary gland for too long, a condition called milk stasis. It is the promotion of bacterial multiplication due to milk stagnation that leads to fever. Therefore, it is important to ensure that milk is properly decanted from the breast to avoid problems such as mastitis or milk stasis.
Breast care during breastfeeding
There are many ways to prevent mastitis. Here are a few tips and suggestions on how to avoid mastitis:
- Care for your breasts to prevent nipple irritation. Massaging your breasts and keeping your nipples dry with soft bra pads can help prevent mastitis.
- Breastfeed often. It is important to feed your baby regularly and on time to empty your breasts completely. Even if the baby is asleep, you need to wake him or her up if it is feeding time. If moms can’t be near their baby during feeding time, they should decant milk with a breast pump. Choose a breast pump that is easy to use, such as an electric breast pump. It reduces the decanting time and the pad gently stimulates the flow of milk.
- Make sure your baby is taking the breast correctly. Many breastfeeding complications can be avoided if the baby is placed on the breast correctly. Learn about different breastfeeding positions that can promote proper lactation and help prevent mastitis and other unpleasant symptoms.
- Wean your baby gradually. To minimize the chance of complications, gradually reduce your milk supply by cutting back on feedings.
Mastitis in women: treatment
One of the most common questions among moms who are breastfeeding with mastitis is “can I continue to breastfeed?”. In fact, if a mom has mastitis, breastfeeding can help clear the infection from the body without causing harm or negative side effects.
You can also change the position in which you hold your baby while feeding. Changing your position changes the angle of suction while feeding your baby and helps to clear blocked ducts.
If the symptoms of mastitis do not disappear within 24 hours or get worse, you should see your doctor. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics, particularly ibuprofen, to treat mastitis, making sure that any medications prescribed are safe for breastfeeding.
Treatment of mastitis starts with improving breastfeeding technique. If a mother stops decanting her breasts while mastitis is occurring, she will experience increased milk stasis and an increased likelihood of developing an abscess. A consultation with an experienced lactation specialist is often invaluable. Moms should drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest while doing so. Therapeutic ultrasound has not been shown to be beneficial. Homeopathic remedies have not yet been sufficiently studied in terms of safety and efficacy.
Mastitis causes discomfort, but there is no need to panic or despair. It is a typical problem that many young moms face when they start breastfeeding. By following the tips in this article, moms can minimize the chances of mastitis, but if in any doubt, they should consult a specialist.
