It is quite common for a breastfeeding mother to experience pain and swelling in her breasts. Sometimes this is just a simple thing, but sometimes this can be a condition called `(Mastitis)`, which requires some concern. Don't worry, let's learn more about this. Because if you are properly informed about this, you can get relief quickly and control this condition before it gets worse.
What is `(Mastitis)`? Simply put...
Simply put, ``Mastitis`` is a painful swelling, or inflammation, of the tissue in your breast. This can sometimes lead to a bacterial infection. Think of it like when we get an injury, it becomes red, swollen, and painful.
Who gets `(Mastitis)`? How common is it?
Although this condition can develop in anyone, it is most commonly seen in breastfeeding mothers . However, non-breastfeeding women and men can also develop ``Mastitis``, although very rarely.
Worldwide, it is estimated that about 30% of breastfeeding mothers experience this condition. It is especially common during the first three months after giving birth . So, if you are a new mother, it is worth being a little aware of this.
What are the symptoms of `(Mastitis)`? Do you have these too?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast, which can cause your breasts to swell, hurt, or feel warm to the touch. Sometimes your breasts may feel very full, hard, and engorged. In addition, you may have symptoms such as:
- Breast pain (mastalgia) or a burning sensation. This pain may be worse when the baby is breastfeeding.
- Feeling hard lumps or bumps in the breast.
- What looks like red spots on some parts of the breast.
- If this progresses to an infection, flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches may occur.
It's normal for your breasts to feel engorged in the first few days after you have your baby. However, this condition can continue as long as you're breastfeeding.
What are the causes of `(Mastitis)`? Why does this happen?
The main cause of mastitis is hyperlactation or oversupply of milk . When this excess milk builds up, the tissue around the milk ducts becomes tight, narrowing the ducts. This causes the breasts to become very full and swollen (engorgement). This is called inflammatory mastitis .
Imagine this, just like if you block a water pipe, it will be difficult for the water to flow.
This inflammatory mastitis condition can sometimes develop into bacterial mastitis , which means that bacteria enter the swollen area and cause an infection.
Occasionally, this bacterial infection can cause an abscess to form in the breast . If this happens, the abscess will need to be drained.
Who is at higher risk of developing `(Mastitis)`?
If you are breastfeeding and have an oversupply of milk, you are at higher risk of developing mastitis.
Recently, doctors have changed their advice on what to do to help with this oversupply. They used to say to empty your breasts more often (either by pumping or by feeding your baby). But now research has found that doing so can actually make engorgement worse. This is because when you empty your breasts more often, your body thinks it needs to make more milk. This increases milk production and makes engorgement worse.
How does a doctor diagnose mastitis?
Your doctor will examine you and listen to your symptoms to determine whether you have mastitis. If you are not breastfeeding, you may be asked to have a mammogram or breast ultrasound to rule out breast cancer or other breast conditions.
What are the best treatments for `(Mastitis)`? Let's see...
The main treatment for mastitis is to reduce swelling and pain and prevent infection. Researchers are always learning new things about breastfeeding and mastitis, so it's important to talk to your doctor about the latest treatments.
The latest opinion on treatment: Just like a sprain!
In the past, the treatment for `(Mastitis)` was to massage the breasts, to pump more milk, etc. But now many doctors say that inflammatory mastitis should be treated like a sprained leg. Imagine, when you sprained your leg, you wouldn't massage it or apply heat to it. `(Mastitis)` should be treated the same way . The swelling in your breasts is caused by swelling of the tissue around the milk ducts, not because a ``milk clot'' is stuck and needs to be ``squeezed out.'' Therefore, in order for the milk to flow properly, you first need to reduce this swelling.
What treatments can be done at home?
In the case of inflammatory mastitis, you can try these things at home:
- Ice Pack: Take an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables and place it on the swollen area while you lie down on your side. This will help the swelling go to the lymph nodes and reduce swelling. Never apply heat.
- Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, can help reduce both swelling and pain.
- Lymphatic drainage: This is a very gentle technique. Like stroking a cat, gently and gently stroke the lymph nodes around the breast and armpits. This helps to reduce the fluid that is causing the swelling. This is not a vigorous massage.
- Reverse Pressure Softening (RPS): This is also a gentle massage. It reduces the swelling of the nipple and the areola, and removes any fluid that may be present. This makes it easier for your baby to latch on even if the breast is full. Here's how to do it: Place two of your fingers at the base of the nipple, apply gentle pressure, and then pull your fingers away from the nipple. Do this in different directions around the nipple.
- Wear a supportive bra: This does not mean a tight bra. Wear a bra that provides good support without putting additional pressure on your breasts.
Don't mention these things!
Oh, if you have `(Mastitis)`, don't go naming these things, okay?
- Do not massage your breasts too much.
- Do not use any device to massage your breasts.
- Do not soak your breasts in anything.
- Don't apply heat.
Medications for bacterial mastitis
If your inflammatory mastitis doesn't improve with home treatments, it can develop into bacterial mastitis. If that's the case, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics . These medications work to kill the bacteria that have built up in your milk ducts. The infection should usually clear up within 10 days. However, you should start to feel better within 48 to 72 hours. Painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling, but they won't cure an infection.
What are the possible complications of `(Mastitis)`?
If mastitis is not treated properly, it can develop into a breast abscess . This type of abscess usually requires surgery. A doctor will drain the pus, either through a small incision or using a small needle.
How long does it take to recover from `(Mastitis)`?
Inflammatory mastitis usually resolves completely within 10 to 14 days. If managed properly, symptoms should improve significantly within 24 to 72 hours. The most important thing is to recognize the signs of breast engorgement and swelling early. Then you can begin treatment, such as icing and lymphatic drainage.
Can I breastfeed my baby when I have mastitis?
Yes, you should definitely continue to breastfeed your baby. Even if you have a breast infection, it will not be passed to your baby through your milk. In fact, breast milk has antibacterial properties that can fight bacteria. So it also helps protect your baby from infections. The antibiotics that your doctor gives you for mastitis are usually safe for your baby.
Breastfeeding can be a little difficult when you have mastitis, but you should continue to do it.
Can Mastitis recur?
Yes, it is possible to get mastitis more than once. Therefore, it is good to know about ways to prevent it.
How to prevent Mastitis?
One thing to remember is to only pump as much milk as your baby needs. If you are breastfeeding, do not pump after you have said "empty".
It can be helpful to talk to a lactation consultant or take a breastfeeding class. This will help you learn what a good latch looks like and feels like. When your baby latches on properly, your body will adjust its milk production to meet your baby's needs. This can help prevent mastitis.
Breastfeeding mothers can also do the following to reduce their risk of developing mastitis:
- Don't wear a bra that's tight.
- Avoid using things like nipple shells on your breasts.
What kind of experience does someone with `(Mastitis)` have?
Mastitis is painful and uncomfortable, but it usually doesn't cause long-term problems. As mentioned above, home treatments often work well.
If you are breastfeeding, your milk supply may decrease slightly as your body fights the bacterial infection. But once you start to recover, your milk supply will increase again.
Does mastitis increase the risk of developing breast cancer?
Mastitis does not increase the risk of breast cancer. However, the symptoms of mastitis can be similar to those of a rare type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer . This type of cancer causes changes in the skin of the breast. You may see skin thickening, a "peel-like" texture, or a lump. Like mastitis, one or both breasts may become red and swollen. Inflammatory breast cancer usually does not cause lumps in the breast.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a fast-growing, aggressive type of cancer. It needs to be diagnosed and treated quickly. So, if you notice any changes in your breasts, see a doctor right away.
When do you need to see a doctor?
If your at-home treatments don't relieve your breast engorgement, you should see a doctor. It's also a good idea to talk to a doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
- Severe breast pain.
- If you notice a change in the texture of your breasts.
- If a new lump is found.
- If there is fluid leaking from the nipple, it is called ``Nipple discharge''.
- If symptoms get worse after 24 hours of taking antibiotics or after several days of home treatment.
Questions to ask your doctor
When you see a doctor, you can ask questions like these:
- Why did I get `(Mastitis)`?
- How long will it take for this to heal?
- What is the best treatment for me?
- What can I do to prevent mastitis from happening again?
- Should I be concerned about complications?
Do I need to go to an emergency room (ETU) for mastitis?
It is rare to need to go to the emergency room for mastitis. However, if your symptoms are severe and you are worried about waiting to see a doctor, you may find it helpful to go to the nearest emergency room. If someone already taking antibiotics develops a fever, swelling, or possibly an abscess, you may need to be tested.
How do I know if I have ``Mastitis`` or a blocked milk duct?
"Clogged" or "plugged" milk ducts are inflammation or engorgement of the tissue around the milk ducts, causing them to become blocked and making it difficult for milk to come out or flow. If this inflammation is not treated properly, it can develop into mastitis.
Any change in your breasts is a reason to see a doctor. Even though mastitis is not cancer, you should have your symptoms checked by a doctor. Very rarely, symptoms of a breast infection can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer. If you develop mastitis while breastfeeding, it may be helpful to talk to a lactation consultant. They can check that you are latching on properly and using the right breastfeeding techniques, and can help you prevent mastitis from happening again.
Things to remember in summary
Okay, so we've talked a lot about `(Mastitis)` now. In short, remember this:
- Mastitis is a painful swelling of the breast. It is common in breastfeeding mothers.
- The main reason is overcrowding and the inflammation that results.
- The old methods (massage, heat) are no longer recommended. The new method is to treat it like a sprain: ice, painkillers, gentle lymphatic drainage, a supportive bra.
- If there is a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics.
- Continue to breastfeed your baby even when you have mastitis.
- To prevent this, feed/pump as much milk as your baby needs, latch properly, and don't wear tight clothing.
- If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts , be sure to see a doctor.
I hope you find this information useful. Stay healthy!
` Mastitis, nipple infection, breastfeeding mothers, breast swelling, breast pain, breastfeeding, breast infection, milk duct
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