What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is a common complication that breastfeeding women face and often can contribute to women choosing to end their breastfeeding journey early. Mastitis refers to the inflammation of the breast tissue, often caused by the milk staying stagnant in the breast tissue or from a bacterial infection. The inflammation leads to various uncomfortable symptoms, ranging from pain and tenderness to fever and malaise.

There are two main types of mastitis: lactational mastitis and non-lactational mastitis. Lactational mastitis is commonly seen in breastfeeding individuals, while non-lactational mastitis can occur in those who are not breastfeeding, typically due to a bacterial infection. Throughout this blog we will be discussing lactational mastitis.

Causes of Mastitis:

Bacterial Infection: One of the causes of mastitis is a bacterial infection, often stemming from cracked or damaged nipples. Bacteria can enter through these openings and cause inflammation.
Milk Stagnation: When milk is not properly drained from the breast, it can lead to milk stasis, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. This often occurs due to poor breastfeeding techniques or infrequent feeding.

Symptoms of Mastitis:

Swelling and redness of the breast
Pain or tenderness in the affected area
Warmth to the touch
Hard lumps in the breast
Fever and chills
Fatigue and malaise
Body aches

Treatment Options:

Pain Management:

Icing using BodyICE Woman Breast Packs along side regular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and provide relief to the discomfort. It is important to note that using heat may worsen symptoms, therefore using ice can be much more efficient in improving symptoms.

Ensure the breast is draining effectively:

Seeing a lactation consultant to check your baby’s latched properly and effectively draining the breast is an important step in reducing the reoccurrence of mastitis.

Utilise therapeutic ultrasound:

Therapeutic ultrasound utilises thermal energy to reduce inflammation and relieve swelling. It can only be performed by a trained physiotherapist.

Antibiotics:

If the cause is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the infection. It is important that the antibiotics are only used for bacterial mastitis to reduce the risk of developing resistant pathogens. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve.

Probiotics:

There is some evidence to suggest that probiotics might be effective in the treatment and prevention of mastitis, but only those of the Ligilactobacillus salivarius strains.

Continued Breastfeeding:

Contrary to popular belief, continuing to breastfeed on the affected side is crucial. It helps drain the breast, clear the infection and prevent the milk becoming stagnant. It is completely safe to breastfeed your baby from this breast and they will not “catch” the infection.

Rest and Hydration:

Adequate rest and staying well-hydrated can expedite the healing process and support the immune system.

Preventive Measures:

There are a few ways that you can try to prevent the development of mastitis. These may include:

Ensuring a proper latch to reduce any nipple damage and reduces the risk of infection.
Regular breast emptying: Feeding your baby frequently and on demand can help the milk to continue moving through the breast and reduce the risk of it staying stagnant.
Comfortable breastfeeding bras: Wearing wirefree, comfortable (not tight) breastfeeding bras can make sure that the bra isn’t cutting in and potentially blocking some of the ducts.
Maintaining good hygiene: Always wash your hands before and after touching your breasts. Use Silverette nipple cups early if you have any damage and make sure to clean these adequately in between use.

When to Seek Medical Help?

While mild cases of mastitis should improve with home care, it's important to seek medical help if symptoms worsen or if there's no improvement.

Mastitis is a common condition that significantly impacts families and women’s decisions to continue breastfeeding. By understanding its causes, recognising its symptoms, and adopting preventive measures, individuals can effectively manage mastitis and minimise discomfort. Early intervention and proper care can lead to a quicker recovery, allowing breastfeeding to continue without major interruptions. Remember, seeking medical advice when necessary is crucial to ensure the best outcome for both the individual and the baby.

Written by Lauren Brenton

Endorsed Midwife

Founder of One Mama Midwife Pty Ltd

Mastitis