Mastitis - How to Alleviate the Symptoms

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis happens when one or more milk ducts get blocked, stopping milk from flowing normally. This can lead to hard lumps in the breast and pain while nursing.

Symptoms of Mastitis

Mastitis usually appears suddenly and typically affects one breast at a time. Common signs include:

• Hard lumps or swelling under the skin
• Pain, tenderness, and warmth in the affected area
• Fever, sometimes with chills
• General fatigue with headaches and body aches
• Pain during nursing

How to Relieve Mastitis

Keep Breastfeeding Frequently

Your baby’s sucking helps move milk and clear the blockage. Begin with the breast that feels most sore, as babies tend to feed more effectively at the start of a session.

Skin-to-Skin Contact and Oxytocin

Holding your baby close releases oxytocin, which promotes milk flow and helps both you and your baby relax. Gentle shoulder massage or skin-to-skin contact can further stimulate oxytocin release.

Ensure a Good Latch

Make sure your baby has a full latch. Hand express a little milk first to soften the nipple if needed. Changing positions, like placing the baby’s chin toward the affected area, can help drain milk.

Massage and Pressure Relief

Gently stroke from the hard area toward the nipple while breastfeeding, pumping, or hand expressing. This helps relieve pressure and discomfort.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Heat: Take a warm shower before feeding or use a warm compress to soften breast tissue.

Cold: Cold packs can help reduce pain and swelling.

Pain Relief and Self-Care

Pain relievers containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help, and it’s important to eat and drink enough to maintain energy and health.

When to Seek Medical Help

Contact pediatricians, lactation consultants, or midwives if:

• Pain persists despite self-care
• Symptoms worsen
• You develop high fever or rapidly worsening symptoms

Video calls with healthcare providers are also an option if visiting in person is difficult.

Mastitis Treatment

• For severe discomfort, medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used, but consult a doctor first.
• Some may benefit from acupuncture, but discuss it with a healthcare professional before trying.
• In rare cases, bacterial infections require antibiotics. Seek immediate care if you have high fever or worsening symptoms.

Causes of Mastitis

Mastitis can be caused by:

• Poor latch
• Irregular or infrequent nursing
• Pain inhibiting milk let-down
• Improper use of feeding aids (bottles, pumps)
• Tight-fitting bras

Complications

If untreated, mastitis or cracked nipples can lead to:

• Breast infection (mastitis)
• Breast abscess

Both conditions require medical treatment.