What You Need To Know About Mastitis
Barely begun breastfeeding and already noticed your boobs are red, swollen and too tender to touch? You might you have mastitis.
Mastitis (or lactational mastitis) is a medical condition that can occur either as a result of a blocked milk duct or from engorgement (compression of the tissue leading to milk leaching out into the breast tissue) and results in inflammation of the breasts, in some cases leading to infection.
It’s also extremely common for new mums in the early postpartum period.
A study from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners found 20 per cent of Australian women experience it within the first six weeks postpartum (up to six months) —with the highest incidence occurring during the second or third week out of hospital.
Often a result of tight clothing, changes to feeding style, missed feeds, pressure on the breasts or engorgement (i.e. when the breast tissue overfills with milk, blood and other fluids), mastitis isn’t always preventable but can be treated if you catch the symptoms and warning signs early!
To help you navigate the minefield that is mastitis, motherhood and strange body symptoms you never knew existed (until they suddenly just show up!), we’ve created a simple guide to help you learn the basics so you can embrace the beauty of mumma life minus the painful health niggles.
The Symptoms
Not just tender breasts, mastitis can often sneak up on unsuspecting mums in a variety of not-so-nice ways, with both obvious and not so obvious symptoms.
To keep it simple though, according to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) new mums experiencing mastitis will have the following symptoms…
Shivers and aches, often appearing as early onset flu symptoms.
Sore, red, swollen, hot or painful breasts.
Shiny or red streaks on the skin of the surrounding breast tissue.
Sense of unease and illness such as feeling off (and sometimes quite suddenly!).
While the main symptoms sound obvious, sometimes they aren’t always easy to catch in the beginning, often appearing completely ‘out of the blue’ and fast.
Yet, with the support and ongoing guidance of a physiotherapist the early postnatal stages, you can stay on top of your breast health, catch mastitis early on and often fast track the healing process (and in a non-invasive, natural way) if it begins to set in.
At Ivoryrose we offer a holistic service that accommodates and can work to soothe and support the body throughout all stages of a woman’s pregnancy and postnatal life, but outside of us, it’s so important as a new mum to listen to your body and take note of any changes (sudden or slow) in the early postnatal stages and the moment signs appear seek help and follow our treatment guide below.
The Treatment Options
Despite your best efforts, one little change has stirred something in your body and the mastitis symptoms have kicked in, now what?
First things first: turn to your trusted medical professional. If you have a pre or postnatal physiotherapist already on board, then check in with them as early intervention can make or break your recovery.
Once officially diagnosed with mastitis, the next important thing to identify if an infection is present. Often the first treatment protocol is to turn to antibiotics, however not all cases are infective, and if not then drugs may be unnecessary and invasive.
In fact, this is a reason we’re big believers in postnatal physiotherapy. While less commonly known about as a treatment option, physiotherapy can actually help with so many body ailments outside of the usual aches, pains and injuries, working as both a preventative and post-recovery treatment modality.
For example, did you know a physiotherapist can use therapeutic ultrasound and massage to assist in clearing breast inflammation (without antibiotics) to re-enable comfortable feeding to continue?
Cool huh? And for most cases, it doesn’t matter whether its mild or severe mastitis, a specialised physiotherapist can perform a range of treatments to soothe and release all pain and tenderness.
And the best part? It’s an all natural approach tailored to what your body needs. By working with a specialised post natal physiotherapist you will receive a holistic treatment that incorporates a range of natural healing modalities to support your breasts and bring them back to their healthy, supple selves in the most natural way.
Plus, at IvoryRose taking care of postnatal women is kind of our jam, so when it comes to mastitis, we consider it a ‘medical emergency’ and will treat it accordingly— with extra loving care and efficiency —moving patients or opening weekend appointments to accommodate your healing process as quickly as possible.
Not able to get into a physio? No worries, there are other natural ways you can facilitate the healing process. Read on for a few tips from the ABA guidelines below.
Drain your breasts gently and often, feeding more than usual and starting each feed on the sore breast, until completely drained. After, make sure to balance out the other boob, as if it becomes too full, you can end up with mastitis on the other side.
Loosen your bra more or even take it off.
Relax into feeding so you encourage a gentle ongoing milk flow.
Reduce tenderness with a self massage. If soreness is a result of a blocked duct then gently stroke towards the nipple while your baby feeds or alternatively, if you believ mastitis has set in, then aim to massage towards the armpit or collarbone to clear via the lymph system instead.
Apply alternating warm and cold packs. First apply the cold to reduce swelling and relieve pain, then swap to a warm pack just before a feed (just for a few minutes) to clear the blockage.
Take rest seriously. Stay in bed as long as you can or aim to put your feet up as often as possible.
If symptoms persist after 12-24 hours make sure to see a doctor immediately as you may require antibiotics, or book an appointment with us now for personalised advice and treatment plan.
The After Care
You’ve managed to calm the symptoms, now it’s time for the tricky part, taking your self care seriously.
Early on in motherhood, there can be a natural tendency to place care and attention on your bubbas first before giving a thought to your own health but it’s so vital to dedicate time to your own self care. And for obvious reasons —by taking preventative steps you can avoid scoring yourself a return ticket on the mastitis train.
How do you do it? Begin by taking things slow and investing in rest. A relaxed mumma will likely have happier, less tense breasts and as a result, a well fed, happy bub.
But it’s easier said than done right? For simple self care and prevention, try incorporating the following into your daily routine:
Drink adequate H20 throughout the day, aiming for up to eight glasses.
Ask a loved one to help around the house to maximise rest and recovery time.
Feed when breasts become too full (sometimes even if it means waking the baby!)
Enjoy a warm, bub-free bath. The warm water will soothe any tension or soreness (not to mention show your body some love and give you a moment to ‘just be’).
Alternate breast feeds to ensure both get an equal opportunity to empty.