by Georgia Hartmann
Women’s Health Expert
Mastitis is a condition that affects many breastfeeding mothers, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort in the breast. While medical intervention may be necessary in severe cases, there are natural approaches that can help manage mastitis effectively. In this blog post, we will delve into the two primary types of mastitis: inflammatory mastitis and infectious mastitis. We will explore the symptoms, causes, and discuss natural strategies for relieving mastitis. Additionally, we will emphasise the importance of maintaining a healthy breast milk microbiome and highlight the significance of avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use when possible.
Understanding Mastitis: Inflammatory vs. Infectious
Mastitis can be broadly classified into two types: inflammatory mastitis and infectious mastitis. It’s important to understand the distinction between the two, as the management approaches can vary.
Inflammatory Mastitis
Inflammatory mastitis typically arises from milk stasis, which occurs when milk is not adequately drained from the breast. The milk build-up leads to inflammation and pain. Common symptoms of inflammatory mastitis include redness, heat, and swelling in the affected area. Breast engorgement, improper latch, and infrequent or skipped feedings can contribute to this type of mastitis.
Infectious Mastitis
Infectious mastitis is caused by bacterial infection, often through cracked or damaged nipples. The most common bacteria responsible for infectious mastitis is Staphylococcus aureus. Symptoms may include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches, accompanied by localised breast pain, redness, and tenderness. It’s crucial to identify and address the infection promptly to prevent complications.
How to manage mastitis naturally
- Frequent and Complete Breast Emptying
To relieve mastitis and promote healing, it is crucial to ensure frequent and complete breast emptying. Breastfeed your baby on demand. If your baby is unable to drain the affected breast effectively, consider using techniques like “dangle feeding,” where you lean forward and allow gravity to aid in milk flow. - Proper Nipple Care
Take care of your nipples by keeping them clean and dry. After each feeding, express a few drops of breast milk and gently rub it on the nipple. This helps maintain the breast milk microbiome, which plays a vital role in preventing infection. Another tip is to expose your breasts to sunlight each day–the vitamin D can help heal damaged or cracked nipples. - Squeeze the Nipple
Instead of massaging the breast, try gently squeezing the nipple during feedings to help promote milk flow and relieve clogged ducts. This technique is less likely to exacerbate inflammation. - Apply Heat
Applying heat to the affected breast can provide relief by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation. Use a warm compress, such as a warm face washer or towel, and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes before breastfeeding or pumping. - Cabbage Leaves
Cabbage leaves have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for mastitis. Place chilled cabbage leaves on the affected breast, leaving them for approximately 20 minutes. The cooling effect can help reduce swelling and discomfort. - Raw Potato Poultice
If you don’t have cabbage leaves laying around, raw potato can also do the trick. A raw potato poultice can be prepared by grating a raw potato and placing it in a clean cloth. Apply the poultice to the affected breast for around 20 minutes, allowing the natural enzymes in the potato to aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Ensure that the poultice is not too cold or too hot, and replace it with a fresh one when it becomes warm. - Rest and Self-Care
Rest is essential for your body’s healing process. Take the time to relax and prioritise self-care. Avoid overexertion and get plenty of sleep to support your immune system and overall well-being.
- Stay hydrated
Maintain hydration with at least 3L water per day to help reduce inflammation and support immune function. Breast milk is rich in water to ensure you stay hydrated throughout your breastfeeding journey. - Seek Professional Guidance
While the above strategies can be effective for managing mastitis, it’s crucial to seek professional guidance when needed. If your symptoms worsen or persist despite trying these natural approaches, consult a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. To help prevent mastitis recurrence, book an appointment with one of our naturopaths at Hormone Health Studio to support the health of the breast milk microbiome.
The Importance of Breast Milk Microbiome and Avoiding Antibiotic Use
Breast milk plays a crucial role in establishing and maintaining a healthy microbiome for your baby. The breast milk microbiome contains beneficial bacteria that support your baby’s immune system and overall health. Overuse of antibiotics can disrupt this delicate balance, potentially leading to long-term consequences.
While antibiotics are necessary in some cases of infectious mastitis, it is important to explore natural management options first and reserve antibiotics for severe or unresponsive cases. By implementing natural strategies, you can often alleviate mastitis symptoms and promote healing without the need for antibiotics.
Mastitis can be a challenging condition for breastfeeding mothers, but with proper understanding and natural strategies, it can be effectively addressed. By differentiating between inflammatory mastitis and infectious mastitis, you can tailor your approach accordingly. Prioritising frequent and complete breast emptying, maintaining proper nipple care, and utilising natural remedies like heat, cabbage leaves, and raw potato poultices can aid in relieving inflammation and promoting healing.
Remember to consult with one of our expert naturopaths at Hormone Health Studio for personalised guidance, and whenever possible, preserve the beneficial breast milk microbiome by avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. With patience, self-care, and the right strategies, you can effectively manage mastitis and continue to provide the best for both yourself and your baby.
by Georgia Hartmann
Women’s Health Expert