Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast and is often caused by blocked milk ducts. Ducts can become blocked from incomplete drainage which is usually a result of your baby being incorrectly positioned during feeding. The small ducts become kinked or twisted and protein molecules can diffuse into the surrounding tissue causing inflammation and pain. Other factors that contribute are long periods of time between feeding, and tight bras or clothing.

There are some things you can do to help prevent blocked ducts.
Feed your baby from the side that is inflamed, or if baby is having trouble feeding make sure you express. Feed or express every 2 hours with baby on their side with their whole body facing you. This is to make sure all milk ducts are properly emptied during the feeding.

Rest! If you are experiencing a fever, headache and flu-like symptoms (quite common with mastitis), take yourself off to bed (with baby if necessary) and ask friends and family for help with cooking, laundry etc.

Applying heat brings circulation to the area and can help to loosen the blockage. Using a wheat bag or specialised product such as Earth Mama Angel Baby 'Booby Tubes' often brings relief. Mums find them very helpful and you can also use them cooled for engorgement.

Making sure you have a well designed, well-fitted maternity bra is a must to avoid blockages.

There are also some homoeopathic and herbal remedies that can really help. Herbs during breastfeeding are better prescribed by a naturopath or herbalist. Most homeopathics are available over the counter.

• Phytolacca (Phytolacca decandra, also called poke root) is a wonderful herb and can be used both as a homoeopathic remedy or as an internal herbal tincture (when prescribed)
• Echinacea will boost the immune systems ability to fight any infection present
• Vitamin C will help with the inflammation
• Belladonna is another homoeopathic remedy for when the breast is very swollen, hot, red and firm to touch.

If you think antibiotics are needed don’t hesitate to see your GP.

Consulting rooms at:
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(09) 889 2008
021026 11882
annaliese@naturalhealthcheckup.com