According
to La Leche League International, mastitis
is a breast infection and it sounds horrific. Usually affecting only one
breast, mastitis can cause swelling, redness, and pain, as well as
making your breast feel warm to the touch. Mastitis can be caused by several
situations, such as obstruction, infection. The good news is, mastitis is
preventable and treatable. Knowing that and these 11 things can help ease your
fears about mastitis.
1.
Apparently mastitis can feel an
awful lot like the flu.
2.
Cracked
nipples increase your risk. Cracked
nipples can increase your risk for mastitis, as germs from your baby's
mouth enter into your breast through the crack.
3.
With mild symptoms, you can usually
get over mastitis within 24 hours. You may need antibiotics immediately if
your baby is less than two weeks old, if you have broken skin on the nipple
with signs of infection, if your milk is bloody, and if your temperature
increases suddenly, should also call your doctor if you think you have mastitis
in both breasts.
4.
Breastfeeding
is still safe. La Leche League International notes
that you shouldn't worry about breastfeeding your baby while battling mastitis.
The antibacterial properties in your milk protect your baby and your
breast infection doesn't put them at risk.
5.
Your milk
may look & taste different. While
you're fighting mastitis, your milk may taste saltier due to
increased sodium and chloride content.
6.
Heat &
breast massages can help. Massaging
your breast before breastfeeding can be a huge help in emptying your breast
completely, and heat can help speed your healing process along. La Leche League
International also says wet heat, such as a compress, hot water bottle, not
only relaxes your breast, but can help move any dried milk blocking the flow of
milk from your nipple. If you can, try breastfeeding while your breast is
still warm to encourage the milk to flow.
7.
If you're battling mastitis, you
need rest and lots of it.
Recurrent
Mastitis
Make sure that you are aware of the
symptoms of plugged ducts and mastitis so you can start treatment immediately.
Risk factor:
1.
Inadequate treatment of previous
mastitis. A major risk factor for recurring mastitis is failure to completely
recover from a previous bout of mastitis due to slow treatment, incorrect
treatment. Has the treatment of previous bouts of mastitis been delayed,
inadequate? If you were treated for a previous bout of mastitis, did you take a
complete course of antibiotics? A related risk factor is a previous plugged
duct. To reduce this risk, be vigilant about keeping the milk flowing well
after a plugged duct is resolved.
2.
Poor milk drainage. Are latch-on
and positioning optimal? Problems with either can affect milk
drainage, and whenever the milk flow is hindered you are at risk for plugged
ducts and mastitis. Look for anything that results in consistent pressure on
the breast tissue — this can block milk flow and lead to plugged ducts. Does
your baby choke, gag, strangle when nursing because of a fast milk flow?
Remedying the oversupply will help to reduce your risk for plugged ducts and
mastitis. Use of a nipple shield can result in poor milk drainage from the
breast. Any kind of exercise that involves repetitive motions of the
upper arm may lead to plugged ducts. Any breast surgery can cause
scarring and pressure on milk ducts. Other things that can cause plugged ducts
are an anatomical problem, breast lumps, past injuries. Recurring mastitis in
the same location is one of the warning signs of a breast tumor.
3.
Nipple problems. Look for dried milk
secretions on the nipple. Milk blisters can cause repeated plugged ducts. Secondary
infections such as thrush can cause inflammation within the milk
ducts which increases the risk of plugged ducts. Moms who are experiencing
recurrent plugged ducts due to thrush may benefit from taking an
anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the inflammation.
4.
Mother’s overall health.
Lowered resistance to infection can cause to recurrent plugged ducts. According
to La Leche League’s Breastfeeding Answer Book, food allergies
occasionally result in plugged ducts that occur either premenstrually or before
ovulation.
5.
Mother’s diet. Lack of sufficient
fluids can contribute to plugged ducts. Adding lecithin to the diets of
moms with recurrent plugged ducts has been shown to be very effective.
Treatments:
1.
Dietary supplements and diet. A
Vitamin C supplement can be helpful for any mom suffering with recurrent
plugged ducts. Many moms have found that taking lecithin can help to
resolve and prevent recurrent plugged ducts.
2.
Therapeutic breast massage. Daily
breast massage may help to improve milk drainage and prevent plugged ducts and
mastitis.
3.
Long-term, low-dose antibiotics. This
type of treatment has broken the cycle of repeated mastitis for some women.
4.
Acupuncture, has also been used
successfully for recurrent plugged ducts.
5.
Homeopathic remedies. Some moms with
recurrent plugged ducts have also had good luck with homeopathic
treatment.
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