What is Mastitis?
You’ve likely heard about Mastitis or experienced it yourself. It’s not uncommon for a mother to experience mastitis, which is an inflammation of the breast that can cause flu-like symptoms.
Knowledge is power. Knowing the signs and symptoms of mastitis, the best treatments, and the ways to prevent it can help you avoid stress and ensure that your breastfeeding journey will be a positive experience.
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We spoke with a lactation medicine doctor and an OB/GYN in order to find out more about mastitis and the latest treatment protocols.
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis usually affects only one breast and can be felt as a painful soreness. Mastitis was once described as an clogged duct which became infected. New research by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine describes mastitis now as widespread inflammation of the breast that affects the ducts and alveoli.
ABM explains mastitis as swelling and edema due to hyperlactation (overproduction) and mammary dybiosis. This refers changes in the microbiome of your milk. Genetics, medical conditions and the use of probiotics and antibiotics can all influence mammary dysbiosis. Pumping More Milk Than Your Baby Needs can Lead to Overproduction of Milk, Which Can Increase Your Chances Of Developing Mastitis.
Mastitis occurs most commonly in during the first six weeks after breastfeeding. (This is also when hyperlactation is at its highest) It tends to disappear by three months.
What are the signs of Mastitis?
Mastitis is an infection that causes inflammation and pain. If you have a case, you’ll know. Mastitis can cause intense symptoms. Sarah Jordan, MD, OB/GYN, Pediatrix Medical Group, Fort Worth, Texas, says that the most common symptom of mastitis, breast pain, is often followed by swelling.
Other symptoms of mastitis include:
- One breast tenderness, soreness and pain
- A breast that feels warm to the touch
- Breasts with red streaks or areas of red on them
- Breast area that is hard or firm
- Fever
- Chills
- Exhaustion
How is Mastitis diagnosed?
Mastitis can be diagnosed by your symptoms, your breastfeeding history, or (sometimes) a physical examination of your breasts and you. You should contact a lactation consultant or health professional if you experience the classic symptoms of mastitis such as sore, tender breasts and flu-like symptoms. The majority of providers can diagnose mastitis based solely on the symptoms or description you provide. Mastitis is a condition that has a number of specific and tell-tale symptoms.
What is the treatment for Mastitis?
Treatment for mastitis is two-fold. Doctors or health care providers should offer pain management and antibiotics if necessary. How can you tell if mastitis is a medical problem? Mastitis can it ever disappear on its own?
Dr. Jordan stresses the importance of treating mastitis. If left untreated, a mastitis could form and cause severe illness that may require surgery. Breast abscesses can be identified by similar symptoms to mastitis. However, they are more localized and may feel like a lump or mass.
Stephanie Sublett MD is an OB-GYN and IBCLC who runs Ready to Slay Mama – a website for breastfeeding and postpartum information. She says that in some cases, home remedies are sufficient, but antibiotics may be required at other times. She explains that mastitis is both non-infectious as well as infectious. Treatment will vary depending on the type of mastitis.
She says that non-infectious mastitis will usually resolve itself within 24 hours if conservative treatment is used. This includes ice, rest, Tylenol or ibuprofen. If symptoms do not resolve within 24 hours or if systemic symptoms like body aches and fevers/chills are present, then it is likely that you have an infectious mastitis. Dr. Sublett advises that antibiotics are necessary if you experience these symptoms for more than 24 hours.
In the past it was recommended that women with mastitis pump or breastfeed more often than usual to get rid of the excess milk. ABM advises that this is not recommended anymore. The ABM also discourages vigorous breast massage. The new ABM guidelines for at-home care includes:
- Don’t breastfeed or pump excessively.
- Do not use heat to compress your breasts.
- You can massage your breasts lightly, but avoid applying strong pressure.
- Pain relief medications prescribed by a physician can be used to soothe.
Is it safe to breastfeed with Mastitis?
It’s natural to worry that your breast milk is not safe for your child or that breastfeeding would be a bad idea if you feel sick. You can rest assured that chest- or breast-feeding is perfectly safe. What’s more, it’s recommended.
Dr. Sublett says that breastfeeding or pumping is safe and encouraged with mastitis. It is important to stick to your regular schedule of milk removal. Pumping or breastfeeding more often will worsen the inflammation process and symptoms.
Mastitis can you get it more than once?
Some people experience recurrent mastitis, even though they only get it once. Dr. Sublett states that factors such as oversupply and factors that disrupt milk microbiome, like antibiotics, are risk factors for recurrent cases of mastitis. She says that mastitis is more common in those who are exclusive pumpers and have a history of bacterial infection.
If you are experiencing recurrent mastitis, and have been unable or unwilling to treat it yourself, you should consult a healthcare professional. A consultation with a lactation consultant is helpful if you have recurrent cases of mastitis.
What are the best ways to prevent mastitis?
Dr. Jordan says that there are simple ways to prevent mastitis. You can do this by ensuring that your baby latches on properly, staying hydrated and avoiding bras with tight straps. Dr. Sublett says that you should avoid activities such as excessive pumping, which can lead to an excess of milk.
According to the ABM, taking lecithin as a supplement may reduce inflammation of the breast. They recommend 5-10 grams of sunflower or soy-based lecithin per day. You might also consider taking a supplement that balances your microbiome.
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If you have any questions regarding mastitis or are experiencing symptoms, you should contact a lactation consultant as soon as you can. You deserve to be comfortable and feel better while breastfeeding.
