Nursing Nuisances: Mastitis

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

29 Sep 2006 04:15 PM

Hopefully, you began to breastfeed right after you gave birth (like all the books say you should), and your baby popped right on (like many of the books seem to imply they will), and thus the beautiful nursing relationship began and you and your baby lived happily ever after. But the reality is that breastfeeding, while natural, doesn't always come naturally. There are bumps and hills along the way. One of the bigger "bumps" is mastitis.

Not everyone that nurses gets mastitis and not every pain in the breast is mastitis. Mastitis is generally preceded by an unresolved plugged duct. One of the milk ducts in the breast plugs, and over time becomes red, swollen and painful. While a plugged duct is sore, mastitis might feel more like an intense burning pain. Accompanying mastitis are frequently flu like symptoms: fever over 101, chills, pain, and/or swelling in the breast area.

Care for Mastitis

It is important that you see your doctor if you suspect you have mastitis. You may require antibiotic. However, you should also take these self-care steps:

1. Rest Mastitis is an illness just like the flu or a bad cold. Take your baby to bed with you and nurse but you should be off duty from all other responsibilities.

2. Alternate warm and cold compresses. Cold compresses will help relieve pain. While there is no scientific evidence that warmth does help milk flow more easily many women report this effect. However, warmth does increase circulation which will in turn help fight infection.

3. Massage the area of tenderness. This will help relieve any plugged ducts.

4. You MUST breastfeed frequently on that side. If it is too painful, you can switch baby to the affected side after the let down reflex. It is extremely important to empty the affected breast. Your baby is the most efficient way to do this, however if you baby is not nursing effectively, you may have to pump or hand express.

5. Varying baby's position at the breast can help ensure that all the ducts are emptied properly.

6. Take Tylenol or Motrin for the pain. Both are allowed (and their generic counterparts) while you're breastfeeding. Being relieved from the pain will only help your body recover more quickly.

7. DON'T QUIT. Quitting nursing at this point only makes the problem worse. The absolute best treatment for mastitis, plugged ducts or other breast infections is to continue nursing.

Prevention of Mastitis

As I mentioned earlier, mastitis is always preceded by a plugged duct. Therefore, the best way to avoid mastitis is to avoid getting plugged ducts:

*Relive engorgement promptly. Milk that stagnates in the ducts, thickens and clogs them.

*Always breastfeed frequently and on demand. Don't restrict the length of time of the feedings either.

Related Articles:

Nursing Nuisances: Plugged Ducts

Meghan the Vampire Baby

Five Ways to Make Nursing Easier

When You Just Can't Nurse

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

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