UNDERSTANDING MASTITIS

 Hello Mamas!

Today I’ll be sharing with you some very important information on breast health, and more specifically, Mastitis. I have had this with my little baby girl as shared in my previous post (Click here to read) . At first, I wasn’t sure what was happening to my body. I felt nauseous and feverish and had no idea what was going on. In this post, I’ll share with you some of the signs of mastitis and different mastitis treatment methods thanks to Dr.Google and my experience!

What is Mastitis anyway?

Well according to Wiki....

It is an inflammation of the mammary gland in the breast, typically due to bacterial infection via damaged nipple. in a layman's language,

Breast infections are usually caused by a common bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ) found on normal skin. The bacteria enter through a break or crack in the skin, usually on the nipple.

The infection takes place in the fatty tissue of the breast and causes swelling. This swelling pushes on the milk ducts. The result is pain and lumps in the infected breast.

Breast infections usually occur in women who are breastfeeding.

Symptoms

• Breast enlargement on one side only
• Breast lump
• Breast pain
• Fever and flu-like symptoms including nausea and vomiting
• Itching
• Nipple discharge (may contain pus)
• Nipple sensation changes
• Swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth in breast tissue
• Tender or enlarged lymph nodes in armpit on the same side

Treatment

Mastitis can be easily treated using a number of self-care measures and by adjusting your breastfeeding technique. Most women make a full recovery very quickly.

Non-infectious mastitis

• making sure that you get plenty of rest

• drinking plenty of fluids

• using painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen that are available over the counter without prescription to reduce pain and fever (high temperature) - a small amount of paracetamol can enter the breast milk but it is not enough to harm your baby (aspirin is not safe to take while breastfeeding)

• not wearing tight-fitting clothing or a bra until your symptoms improve

• placing a warm compress (a cloth warmed with warm water) over your breast to help relieve the pain. A warm shower or bath may also help

• Breastfeeding advice

• keep breastfeeding or expressing milk by hand or with a pump (a device to help you express milk). If necessary, express milk between feeds

• feed from the affected breast often at least 8 to 12 times a day if you are only breastfeeding your baby (not bottle feeding as well)

• make sure that the breast is empty after feeds by expressing any remaining milk

• massage your breast to release any blockages. Stroke from the lumpy area towards the nipple to help the milk flow

• make sure that your baby is properly positioned and attached to your breasts. Your midwife or health visitor should be able to advise you about how to do this

• experiment with feeding your baby in different positions to see if this makes feeding more effective

• warming your breast using warm water can help to soften the breast, making it easier for your baby to feed

Infectious mastitis

• your baby may be irritable and restless

• your baby's stools may be looser (runnier) and more frequent

• Sore nipples

• a burning pain in your breast

• very itchy breasts

• pain that is worse at night or after feeding

OVER VIEW.

Most cases of non-infectious mastitis can be treated with a number of self-care techniques such as:

Try to continue breastfeeding if you have mastitis. Following the advice below should improve your symptoms:

If your symptoms do not improve or they get worse despite trying these techniques, see your GP for additional advice or treatment. Infectious mastitis will need to be treated using a combination of the techniques outlined above and antibiotics (medication to treat infections caused by bacteria). Your GP will prescribe an antibiotic that is safe to use during breastfeeding.

 This will usually be a tablet or capsule to take orally (by mouth) four times a day.

Antibiotics can enter the breast milk in very small doses and may affect your baby. For example:

These effects are usually only temporary and will resolve once you have finished your course of antibiotics. They do not pose a risk to your baby.

Your nipples may be sore if your baby is not properly attached during feeding. See the box to the right for sources of information that can help you to improve your breastfeeding technique.

If your nipples do not heal, return to your GP because you may have an infection. If you still have mastitis or pain in your breast, your GP may prescribe an oral antibiotic (see 'infectious mastitis', above).

Sore nipples may also be a sign of thrush, which is a fungal infection that is caused by the yeast fungus candida albicans. If you have thrush you may also have:

Your GP can prescribe a cream for your breasts that you will need to apply after every feed for two weeks. Your baby may also need treatment if they have thrush in their mouth.  

Hope this helps someone.

Enjoy Breastfeeding...