Treating Mastitis Naturally
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that can lead to infection. The inflammation results in breast pain, swelling, heat and redness. Mastitis can feel like you have the flu as it is often accompanied by a fever, body aches, shivers, pains and fatigue. The main cause for mastitis is a blocked milk duct, which can lead to infection. However, bacterial mastitis is also common and is caused by the mixture of stagnant breast milk (breeding ground for bacteria) and the transfer of bacteria from the skin’s surface and baby’s mouth through the milk ducts. Bacterial infections can become very serious, and it is recommended to see your GP if symptoms persist and in the case that antibiotic therapy is needed.
Common Causes:
Poor attachment to the breast
Sore or cracked nipples
Improper nursing technique
A long break between breast feeds (causing breast engorgement)
Shortened breast feeds
Ill fitting bra
Sleeping on the chest
Poor nutrition
Fatigue and stress
Prevention:
Ensure that your baby is latching correctly and feeding well. If this is a concern, it may be worthwhile enlisting the help of a lactation consultant.
Support your immune system. Especially as a mother, having a baby can be draining on your body and immune system, especially if you are recovering from an exhausting birth, cesarean, or just too many visitors in your space.
Nipple care. Weleda Nipple Care Cream is an easily accessible product that I highly recommend or a custom made nipple balm, which can be made up by your naturopath with herbs such as calendula that has healing and antimicrobial properties.
Breastfeed as often as your baby wants to feed and avoid missing or delaying feeds.
If your breasts are becoming uncomfortably engorged, wake your baby for a feed or express.
Alternate from which breast you begin each feed. This helps to ensure at least one breast gets drained well at every second feed. Shifting a hair tie on your wrist to indicate which breast you began on is a good way to remind yourself which breast you started on previously.
If possible, avoid or minimise baby formula/alternate fluid feeds other than breast milk.
REST!
Natural ways to remedy mastitis —
1. Do Not Stop Feeding
Although it is painful, feed more often than usual and always start from the sore breast first as this is when your baby’s sucking is strongest. Do not worry about infection either. Your breast milk is still more than safe when you have mastitis. Breast milk is incredibly intelligent and appropriate immunoglobulins are created to keep your baby and breast milk healthy. Crouching on all fours on the bed (baby laying on side) while gently massaging your breast can also be a helpful position that utilises the force of gravity.
2. Cabbage Leaves
In Naturopathy, The Doctrine of Signatures states that herbs resembling various parts of the body can be used to treat ailments of those body parts — and cabbage leaves cup the breasts like a fitted bra. When the chilled leaves (keep cabbage in crisper) are applied to the breast it can reduce engorgement. Cabbage contains glucosinolates, and an enzyme action converts these to pungent isothiocyanates, collectively referred to as mustard oil — a traditional home remedy for swelling. Although cold cabbage leaves placed in the bra is a life-saver for pain management and swelling, there is evidence to suggest that overuse may decrease milk supply, which supports its use for weaning and drying up. So discontinue use after you notice relief. If milk supply is an issue for you an alternative of a poultice with grated carrot and potato can be used with added warmth from a heat pack to help reduce inflammation.
3. Hot/Cold Therapy
Use warmth prior to a feed to help loosen ducts, trigger the let-down and reduce blockage and pain. This can be achieved in a warm shower or using a heat pack or hot water bottle. Massaging your breasts during/after some hot therapy can provide relief as well by loosening lumps and supporting lymphatic drainage. Use 2 fingers and massage lightly away from nipple towards lymph nodes (axilla, clavicle, sternum). Use cold packs post breast feeds on the affected breast to reduce swelling and pain.
4. Homeopathics
It is best to work with a qualified homeopath/naturopath as some remedies and dosing may differ from person to person. However homeopathic phytolacca is the most common remedy for about 50% of mastitis & blocked duct cases. This remedy is associated as “Lumpy breasts, with hard knots or nodules,” “Intense pain in the breast as soon as the baby takes hold of the nipple, that extends to the underarm or radiates over the whole body” and “usually affecting the right breast”. For dosing start with 30C, two to three times a day, until improvement sets in; then observe progress without taking further remedy as long as improvement continues. Repeat the remedy for apparent relapse. If the 30C potency of a given remedy acts well, but later ceases to help and the symptoms remain similar to previously, go up in potency to 200C. Do NOT take more than one day of repeated doses of a 200C remedy without professional help.
5. Lecithin
Lecithin is a natural substance and its components are already present in breast milk. Lecithin is a fat that is essential in the cells of the body, is a very common food additive and is found naturally in many other foods (such as soybeans and eggs). It has been known to decrease viscosity (stickiness) of the breastmilk by increasing the percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids.
6. Fluids
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and herbal teas such as chamomile to help relax the parasympathetic nervous system and promote let-down.
7. Antioxidants And Immune Support
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that is useful for treating and preventing infections. A safe dose to take is 3000-5000mg/day (mega dose to be used acutely during mastitis)*. Echinacea is another useful remedy to support immunity and lymphatic drainage. Consult your naturopath for individualised recommendations and appropriate dosing.
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Early treatment will mean you get better faster and you will be at less risk of a breast abscess. The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) Helpline is available 24-hours a day for counselling on breast feeding difficulties. They can be reached on 1800 686 268.
With love
Olivia x