8 min. read While breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a woman can do, it isn’t always simple. Along with the special moments, there are some common breastfeeding issues that new breastfeeding mothers can encounter. One of these is mastitis, a condition which causes breast tissue to become sore or inflamed. A study in America⁴ states that about 10% of women develop mastitis three months after giving birth. It mostly occurs in breastfeeding women; however non-breastfeeding women can develop a type called periductal mastitis. This is caused by a bacterial infection in the milk ducts due to a cracked or sore nipple, or even a nipple piercing. Lactation Mastitis is a concern as it can make breastfeeding painful and can hinder the bonding process or even compromise milk supply. It should be dealt with promptly to help mother and baby feel healthy and comfortable and protect mother’s milk supply. So, from, ‘how do you get mastitis’ to, ‘can you breastfeed with mastitis’, in this article we will explore the answers to all the most asked questions about mastitis. Read on to discover the signs of mastitis to look out for, how to deal with it if you’re suffering and how to prevent mastitis in the future. For further information, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
What does mastitis feel like? As well as pain and discomfort, mastitis symptoms can also include tiredness and feeling run down. The early signs of mastitis include:1 These mastitis symptoms are like engorged breast symptoms, but there is a key difference between the two. Mastitis differs from engorgement in that it usually only affects one part of the breast, rather than the entire two breasts.
While early signs of mastitis can occur at any time for a new mother, it is most common within the first two to three weeks after delivery. A common cause of this condition is lengthy gaps between feeding sessions, such as when the baby starts sleeping through the night. Other causes of mastitis symptoms are:2 In short, mastitis symptoms are usually caused by milk staying still in the breast for too long, known as milk stasis. It is the promotion of bacterial growth due to milk stasis that leads to the condition and symptoms of pain and fever. It is, therefore, important to ensure that milk is properly removed from breasts to avoid issues such as mastitis and engorgement.
Now you know what causes mastitis, the good news is that there are many simple steps you can follow if you want to know how to avoid mastitis. Below are a few tips and tricks on how to avoid mastitis:3 Tip: When it comes to weaning, we want to give our babies the best chance of success, in addition to avoiding mastitis symptoms. The Philips Avent Natural Response Baby Bottle is a great choice for your weaning journey.". Suitable from 3m+, these bottles with the special AirFree™ vent are designed to help your baby swallow less air and help ease common feeding issues like colic, gas, and reflux.
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One of the most common questions for mothers breastfeeding with mastitis is ‘can you breastfeed with mastitis?’ The answer is yes. In fact, if mothers have mastitis, breastfeeding can help to clear up the infection without causing harm or negative side effects.3,4,5 A healthcare professional should be contacted if symptoms of mastitis don’t start feeling better after 24 hours or if the symptoms worsen. Doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to help relieve mastitis, ensuring that any medication prescribed is breastfeeding safe.
Mastitis can feel uncomfortable, but there’s no need to panic or be discouraged. It is a common issue that many new mothers experience while first learning to breastfeed. With our answers to all your burning questions from ‘what does mastitis feel like’ to ‘how do you get mastitis’, you can rest assured you can spot and deal with mastitis symptoms with ease. Mothers can help minimize the chances of mastitis by following the advice in this article, but they shouldn’t hesitate to seek professional advice if they are concerned.
References: 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8603483/ 2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK148955/ 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1868722/#B6 5 https://smgwomenshealth.sg/news-articles/how-to-manage-mastitis-in-breastfeeding/ 6 https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1038/pregnancy-breastfeeding
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