Should we know exactly what breast pain and swelling (mastitis) are for breastfeeding mothers?

Along with the joy of a new mother having a baby, sometimes small problems also come. Especially during the early stages of breastfeeding, breast discomfort is one of the main ones. Any mother would be scared if a breast suddenly turns red, becomes hard like a rock, becomes painful and has a fever. Most of the time, this happens due to a condition called mastitis. This is a condition that many mothers experience, but if managed properly, it can be cured quickly. So don't worry, let's talk about this clearly today.

What exactly is Mastitis?

Simply put, mastitis is a painful swelling or inflammation of the tissues in your breast. This swelling can sometimes be accompanied by a bacterial infection.

Although this may sound scary, it can happen to anyone. However, it is most common among breastfeeding mothers . It is especially common in the first three months after giving birth. It is estimated that about 30% of breastfeeding mothers worldwide will experience this condition at least once. It can also occur in women and men who are not breastfeeding.

Do I have mastitis in my breast? How do I know?

Because mastitis is an inflammation, you may experience one or more of these symptoms at once.

• Breast pain: A sharp pain or burning sensation in the breast. This pain may be worse when the baby is breastfeeding.
• Swelling and redness: One area of ​​the breast or the entire breast may become swollen, red, and feel warm to the touch.
• Lumps: One or more hard , painful lumps may develop inside the breast.
• Engorgement: Both breasts are filled with milk, hard as a rock, and feel very uncomfortable.
• Fever and body aches: If this condition progresses to an infection, you may experience a cold-like feeling, body aches, fever, and chills.

These symptoms can start suddenly, so it's important not to panic if you experience something like this.

Why do we get Mastitis? What are the main causes?

The main cause of mastitis is hyperlactation or oversupply. This means that your body produces more milk than your baby needs. What happens when this happens?

Imagine, there are tiny tubes (milk ducts) that carry milk. When the milk fills up, the tissue around the ducts swells and tightens the ducts. It's like tightening a water pipe, making it difficult for the water to flow. This causes the milk to pool in one place and the breast to swell. We call this inflammatory mastitis.

When milk is trapped like this, there is a greater chance of bacteria entering the area and causing an infection. That's when we call it bacterial mastitis. Symptoms like fever and body aches come with this infection.

Sometimes, if this infection is left untreated, it can turn into an abscess, which requires minor surgery to remove the pus.

Treatment methods - here's the most important thing!

Here's something you need to remember very well. The old ideas about how to treat mastitis have completely changed . In the past, even doctors would say to massage the breasts well, apply heat, and pump as much milk as possible.

But the latest research says that those things are making the situation worse.

A lump in the breast is not a "stuck milk clot." It's swollen tissue. So trying to "massage it open" will only injure the tissue and increase the swelling. So what we need to do is reduce the swelling. When the swelling goes down, the stuck milk can flow more easily.

What are the correct treatments that can be done at home?

You can start doing these things as soon as you start having symptoms of mastitis.

• Ice: Take an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables, wrap it in a clean cloth, and place it on the painful area for 10-15 minutes. Do this several times a day. If possible, lie down while doing this. This will help the fluid that caused the swelling to move to the lymph nodes and reduce the swelling quickly. Never apply heat.
• Painkillers: You can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen. These reduce both pain and swelling. Paracetamol is fine, but a medicine like ibuprofen can also help reduce swelling. It is best to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.
• Lymphatic Drainage: This is not a hard massage. Like petting a cat, gently massage the area from the swollen area of ​​the breast to the armpit and above the collarbone with very light pressure. This helps to drain the fluid that is causing the swelling through the lymphatic system.
• Wear a supportive bra: Wear a bra that is loose and provides good support. Tight clothing can make your breasts feel tighter and increase swelling.
• Continue to breastfeed your baby: Even if it hurts, don't stop breastfeeding your baby as usual. But don't pump to "empty the breast" in addition. Doing so will send a signal to the brain that "more milk is needed," which can increase milk production and worsen the problem.

When should you see a doctor?

If you don't feel any relief after a day or two of home treatments, or if you start to develop a fever and body aches, you may have a bacterial infection. You should definitely see a doctor.

The doctor will examine you and prescribe antibiotics if necessary. You will start to feel great relief within two to three days of taking this medicine. However, it is very important to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor for the full duration.

Frequently asked questions and answers

Is it safe to breastfeed a baby with mastitis?

Yes, absolutely. Even if you have mastitis, breastfeeding is 100% safe. Breast milk does not transmit the infection to your baby. Breast milk actually has antibacterial properties. Also, the antibiotics your doctor gives you are safe and harmless to your baby. Even if it is difficult to breastfeed due to pain, continuing to breastfeed as much as possible will help reduce breast engorgement and speed up healing.

Is there a link between mastitis and breast cancer?

Not at all. Mastitis does not increase your risk of developing breast cancer. However, the symptoms of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, a very rare type of breast cancer, are very similar to mastitis. In this case, the breast may also become red, swollen, and feel hot. That is why it is important to see a doctor if you notice any changes in your breast (a lump, a skin change, pain) to make sure it is exactly what it is.

Can mastitis recur?

Yes, some people can have this condition repeatedly, so it's important to be aware of ways to prevent it.

How to prevent mastitis from recurring?

• Pump only as much as needed: Your rule should be, "I'll only pump as much milk as the baby needs." Don't pump more than you need after your baby has finished feeding, saying "I'm emptying my breast." If you do, your body will think your baby needs more milk, so it will make more milk.
• Good Latch: When your baby latches on properly, he or she will get the right amount of milk. This will help your body to make the right amount of milk. If you have any concerns about this, you can seek help from a lactation consultant.
• Don't wear tight clothing: Avoid wearing tight bras or clothing that squeezes your breasts.
• Drink plenty of water and rest: A new mother may not have much time to rest. But rest whenever possible. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.

Should I go to ETU?

Most cases of mastitis do not require a trip to the emergency room (ETU). However, if your fever does not go down, swelling and redness are spreading, you are vomiting and feeling unwell, or you cannot get to your doctor quickly, it is a good idea to go to the ETU.

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