Everything you need to know about Mastitis
In Europe, Mastitis is the scourge of over 20% of new mums - It can appear seemingly out of nowhere and can very quickly leave mums in a huge amount of discomfort. For new mums, is is most common in the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth.
Interestingly, in countries where mothers commonly exclusively breastfeed, mastitis is not nearly so common. This is because it is often caused by a build-up of milk due to lack of stimulation. When a milk duct becomes clogged, the surrounding tissue can become inflamed and eventually infected.
As it is something so many of us will have to deal with, Karen Shah from HoldingTheBaby.com answers 5 of the most frequently asked questions about mastitis.
How do I know if I have mastitis?
How can I treat mastitis?
How long does mastitis last?
How can I prevent mastitis?
Can I still breastfeed with mastitis?
Can I still breastfeed with mastitis?
Yes! Yes! Yes! Breastfeeding can actually help relieve the symptoms of mastitis. Breastfeeding with mastitis (even with an infection) will not harm your baby. If your baby is struggling to latch to the affected breast it may be worth getting some professional breastfeeding help.
How do I know if I have mastitis?
Typically, mastitis will only affect one breast at a time. The symptoms usually appear quickly and include:
A swollen, red area that feels sore when touched
A painful, hard lump
Sharp, burning pain when you breastfeed
A white discharge from your nipple that may contain traces of blood
Flu-like symptoms, including aches, fever and extreme tiredness.
How is mastitis treated?
If you think you may have mastitis it is worth popping into your GP as soon as you can. You’ll typically be prescribed antibiotics which should clear the infection up. If left untreated, mastitis can eventually develop into a breast abscess.
To recover as quickly as possible, it is just as important to ensure you’re well-rested and drinking plenty of fluid. There are also several treatments you can carry out at home to help soothe the discomfort - here are some tried and tested ones:
Place a damp, warm cloth on the affected area - it can help relieve the pain
Paracetamol or Ibuprofen acts as a painkiller and can also reduce any fever symptoms (Do not take Aspirin!)
Start your feeds from the affected breast can - if your baby is finding it difficult to latch, try expressing a little milk first
Massage your breast to clear any blockages - gently stroke from the sore area towards your nipple. This will encourage milk flow.
Wear loose-fitted clothing and ditch that bra!
How long does mastitis last?
For some mums, as soon as the blockage is cleared, the pain will subside — this is why regular breastfeeding can be so important.
However, if the mastitis was serious enough for the doctor to prescribe antibiotics, it is probably going to take a little longer. Usually, your doctor will prescribe tablets to be taken four times a day for two weeks.
How can I prevent mastitis?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - this is especially true for mastitis. Even though it can clear up quickly, it can recur if the underlying causes are not addressed.
Here are some tips to prevent it in the first place:
Make sure your baby is well-positioned and latched during feeds
Do not suddenly stop breastfeeding, instead reduce the amount you breastfeed gradually.
Feed your baby frequently and never take them off the breast until he/she has finished
If possible, exclusively breastfeed for the first six months after your baby is born
