Mastitis….
If you’re unfamiliar with it, count your blessings. I’ve been told it’s absolutely terrible by breastfeeding mamas who’ve experienced its wrath.
The good news is there are natural remedies that work especially if you catch it early on.
What is Mastitis?
Essentially it is very painful inflammation of the breast tissue.
What Causes Mastitis?
It is usually caused by an infection in the breast ducts. It occurs almost exclusively in women who are breastfeeding.
Sometimes during breastfeeding, clogged ducts can occur. If they are not released in a timely manner, it can cause infection, which may lead to Mastitis.
What can cause a clogged duct?
1. Improper latch: If baby is not latching correctly, they may not be pulling milk out effectively. Find a IBCLC in your area to help evaluate baby’s latch and to check for possible lip and tongue ties.
2. Sleepy baby: If baby is not nursing enough, your breasts will get engorged and are at risk of getting clogged.
3. Blocked nipple pore
4. Twins or multiples: Feeding multiple babies can put you at higher risk of clogged ducts.
5. Using a nipple shield: This may be necessary at first, but work with an IBCLC to teach baby how to nurse without it as soon as possible.
If you have a clogged duct, it is important to unclog it as soon as possible. Below are some tips on releasing a clogged duct:
1. Nurse baby on the affected breast as frequently as possible. Baby is better than a breast pump at releasing clogs. If you are exclusively pumping, pump often until clog is released. When nursing, place baby on their back and lean over them to nurse. This is called dangle feeding.
2. While baby nurses or while pumping, massage the area in a circular motion. You can typically feel where the clog is as there will be a lump and it may be slightly painful to the touch.
3. Place a warm washcloth over the breast and then massage after. Try to do this before each nursing/pumping session.
4. Take a very warm shower or bath and massage the affected breast gently. While in the bathtub, float on your stomach and massage breast in a downward motion toward your nipple. Similar to hand expressing.
5. Wear loose clothing and bras. Underwire is not your friend when breastfeeding.
6. Attempt to empty your breast after each feeding. If you don’t think baby has completely emptied the affected breast, then pump or hand express afterward.
7. In between nursing/pumping, use a cold compress to reduce inflammation.
8. If you feel like a clog is still present, lecithin can be used to prevent blockages by decreasing the viscosity of the milk, making it easier to pass through the ducts. Recommended dosage is 1,200 mg. Soy Lecithin can be found at Fresh Thyme. Beef, eggs, peanuts, and some fruits and vegetables naturally contain lecithin as well.
9. Rub your own breast milk over your sore nipples to aid healing! You can also mix 1/2 tsp of salt in 8 ounces of water and soak your nipples in that to reduce bacteria and speed healing. This is a great preventative of mastitis!
10. Standard Process has a whole food supplement protocol that many of my patients keep on hand anytime they have a clog or start to feel Mastitis coming. They have all avoided antibiotic use with this protocol which is great for them and their babies!
11. Acupuncture and lymphatic massage has also helped some mothers with clogged ducts.
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may have more than a clogged duct….you may have Mastitis.
1. Intense pain, swelling, and heat in breast(s).
2. Red stripes on breast that lead away from the infected area.
3. Fever of 101.3 or higher, chills, body aches, and overall feeling of sickness.
4. Expressed milk may look thicker and clumpy. It may also contain pus and blood. (As terrible as that all sounds, it is still very safe to continue to nurse baby and is encouraged).
If symptoms are mild and have lasted less than 48hrs, I encourage you to try these natural remedies to avoid exposure to other infectious germs at the doctor’s office or hospital.
*If your symptoms are severe and have lasted longer than 48 hours, seek medical help.
Natural Remedies for Mastitis
1. Continue to do everything listed above for clogged ducts.
2. REST REST REST. If you can, keep baby in bed with you so you can nurse often. Get help with meals and housework!
3. Increase fluids (preferably water). Eat a variety of plants (vegetables, fruits, nuts/seeds, beans/legumes). These will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal.
4. If on an antibiotic, make sure you are taking a high quality probiotic. Stop by the office if you need one! Take 1-2 a day to prevent thrush, which can be caused by the antibiotic. Also, do not quit taking the antibiotic earlier than prescribed as the infection may return.
5. If you can stomach it, raw garlic is a wonderful anti-inflammatory. 1-5 raw garlic cloves a day works wonders on Mastitis. You can also eat foods cooked with garlic.
Do you have any natural remedies that worked well for you for a clogged duct or Mastitis? I would love for you to share!
Questions? Just ask!
Want to work with me 1:1 to create the perfect diet for you and/or your family? Contact me today at dana@thrivekin.com.