Mastitis “The Milk Fever”
Mastitis - “The Milk Fever”
Mastitis is an inflammatory response of the breast. It can be the result of a number of things such as oversupply of milk, ineffective draining, skipping feeds, pressure on the breast tissue from clothing or bras that are too tight or ill fitting. Infection may also occur when bacteria enters the breast through cracked and damaged nipples, usually as a result of poor attachment. However, the most common cause of mastitis is a blocked milk duct.
Knowing the early signs of a blockage is crucial to identifying the problem and then taking steps to rest and recover. You may start to feel unwell with shivers, aches and sweats, similar to flu like symptoms. Some women don’t notice any blockage until the more whole-body symptoms kick in. By this stage it is more difficult to treat, and mastitis can come on as quick as lightning! A blocked duct will cause the breast to feel sore and tender to touch, usually red in patches and swollen. Even wearing a bra can be too painful.
So what can you do at home?
Keep feeding. If it’s not too painful, gently feeding to drain the breast as much as possible is important and the usual advice. Your baby’s sucking at the breast will help to loosen the blockage. The milk is still very safe for them to drink. Start with the sore breast first, feed as long as possible to drain the breast before switching sides.
A loose fitting bra and clothes will be more comfortable and wont put pressure on the tender milk ducts.
Try to relax while you feed. Find a comfortable position, practice deep breathing, take this time to enjoy the stillness and quiet while your baby feeds.
Rest! Any mother may laugh at this, but rest is really the most important aspect of your recovery. Lie down whenever you can, call on your partner, family and friends to help. If you try to push through, it is likely the infection will develop to the point where you may be forced to the emergency room!
Warmth applied to the sore breast for a few minutes before feeding can be comforting and might help with milk flow. Then after a feed a cool pack can provide some relief and reduce swelling.
If the pain doesn’t resolve after 12 hours and trying some of these strategies, please quickly seek medical advice or contact us directly.
How can a Village Wellness dietitian help?
Ensuring you are well rested and nourished is so important when recovering from mastitis. You cannot feed around the clock and fight an infection if you are not fuelling your own body. Things like eating small frequent meals and snacks, getting loads of healthy fats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and keeping well hydrated are all crucial for the breastfeeding mother.
The amazing physiotherapists at BeActive can help you by applying ultrasound to gently loosen the inflamed area of mastitis, as well as gentle massage to soften tissues, regain fluid flow and relieve pain.
Prevention is far better than treatment! Our Village Wellness dietitian and lactation counsellor Amy Roylance can observe your feeds, perhaps offer some suggestions on your feeding positions and attachment to make sure your baby can drain the breast well. She also encourages feeding on demand as much as possible, not restricting either the number or length of feeds. There is some emerging evidence to support probiotic use in the prevention of mastitis, however its best to consult with your dietitian about this.