Mastitis While Breastfeeding

Mastitis is an inflammation that is usually caused by a bacterial infection of the breast. While you have Mastitis, you can experience extreme pain. However, most Mastitis responds well to treatment. In fact, you can continue to breastfeed while you are recovering from Mastitis. Your breast milk is safe for your baby. However, it is important to make sure that you empty out the breast with every breastfeeding session or pumping session. If you adequately empty out the breast, this will help prevent more bacteria from collecting in the breast and may help shorten the duration of the infection. Now let's talk about the signs of Mastitis. First of all, part or all of your breast is painful, hot,tender, red and swollen. Secondly, you feel tired, achy, have chills and feel like you have the flu. Thirdly, your temperature is over 101 degrees or higher. Fourth, you feel worse, your breasts are more tender and your fever gets worse.A woman can try to prevent Mastitis by avoiding situations that set you up for Mastitis. Therefore, a woman should make sure she empties out her breasts because poor drainage of the breasts can set up Mastitis. So, relieve your breasts promptly by making sure your breast milk is flowing well so your breasts do not become engorged. Additionally, breast milk may clog the ducts, so make sure you breastfeed frequently and get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids. There are several things you could do to treat Mastitis. You should rest a lot because rest is important for stress and for replenishing your immune system. Alternate between warm and cold compresses to your breast. Cold relieves pain while warm increases circulation. Many women lean over a basin filled with warm water for relief. Others take a warm shower or soak in a warm bath. Massaging the breast is good. It is a good idea when breastfeeding your baby to vary the baby's position while your baby is at the breast. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen are safe while breastfeeding to take for pain.Therefore, if you have pain, don't hesitate to take one of these drugs to help manage your pain. There are a few causes of Mastitis. A bra that is too tight can restrict the flow of breast milk therefore, this can cause a plugged duct or Mastitis. Wear the right size bra. A Lactation Consultant can help you figure out your right size bra. Also, anything that applies pressure to the breast, can restrict the flow of breast milk. Therefore, you should try not to sleep on your stomach. When a mother does an abrupt weaning for various reasons, this can lead to Mastitis. So, gradually wean your baby if possible.A nipple shield may also restrict breast milk flow, so you should only use it for a few days. In fact, incorrect positioning or sucking at the best may prevent the milk flow from being properly taken out by the baby. In some cases, the mother's nipples become sore or cracked. Other situations such as a Yeast infection in the mother or baby's mouth can lead to possible Mastitis if left untreated. The course of treatment for Mastitis is usually antibiotics. One antibiotic such as Staphylococcus is given or another antibiotic may be used such as Cloxacillins and Cephalosporins, Augmentin or Erythromycin.All these antibiotics are safe to use while breastfeeding. After 2 to 3 days, you should begin to feel better. Always remember to take you are antibiotic entirely instructed by your doctor.