Mastitis is an extremely painful infection of the breast that
should be treated urgently to prevent an abscess from forming. The
initial symptoms of mastitis include swelling, redness, tenderness
and pain in the breast. You may be able to treat these symptoms by
yourself if this is not an infection of the breast.
Your first course of action is to:
- Continue to breastfeed and start the feed from the breast that
has the tenderness.
- Try to position your baby's chin over the area of redness as
this will assist with draining the blocked duct.
- Massage gently, towards the nipple while you are feeding.
- Fully drain your breasts after the feed by expressing to ensure
that no milk has been left behind.
If you develop the following symptoms you should seek medical
advice as soon as possible. Prompt treatment is essential. These
symptoms can develop very quickly and should not be ignored.
- Initially you may feel a hard lump or tenderness in the breast,
this is usually accompanied by redness and the breast is hot to
touch.
- Fever.
- Tiredness and weakness.
- Muscular aches and pains.
- Flu like symptoms.
- Tearfulness.
The most likely treatment for mastitis will include:
- Antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. If you do take
antibiotics be aware of the possibility of thrush developing on
your nipples. This displays the symptoms similar to needles
piercing your nipple especially during and after breastfeeding.
Contact your doctor if this occurs.
- Use of painkillers is recommended. Paracetamol and ibuprofen
are suggested treatments.
- Heat your breast by placing a hot wash cloth over it before
feeding. Start by feeding your baby from the infected side and try
to position their chin over the area that is inflamed.
- After the feed cool your breast down by using an ice pack
wrapped in a cloth.
- Ensure you fully drain your breasts.
- Drink plenty of fluids and REST, REST, REST.
Tips for the prevention of mastitis:
- Avoid placing pressure on your breast while feeding.
- Ensure your baby has the correct attachment.
- Avoid sudden changes to the length between each feed,
especially in the early days of feeding.
- Ensure that the leading breast is drained properly.