Breast Pain: Plugged Ducts and Mastitis
If a dried secretion is the culprit, soak your breasts in warm water. This is done easily in a warm bath. Gently rub the nipple with a washcloth to loosen any dried milk. If this does not work, you may have to puncture the secretion with a sterile needle. It is important to have a lactation consultant look at your nipple before you do this, to be sure it is a dried secretion and not just a normal white patch on your nipple.
If your plugged duct seems to be getting worse despite your efforts, or if you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms, it is important to contact your health care provider and lactation consultant.
Mastitis
The term "mastitis" means inflamed breast. It is most commonly caused by an infection or a plugged duct that has not responded to treatment. Mastitis should be diagnosed by a health care professional. This is important because you may need antibiotics if the mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection. After proper diagnosis, mastitis can be treated at home.
Mastitis can be prevented the same way you prevent plugged ducts. Some factors that may cause mastitis are allergies, changes in diet, chronic infections of the breast, fatigue, overabundant milk supply and stress. If mastitis develops, it is important to recognize it early to avoid other complications such as engorgement (from lack of nursing on the painful breast) or a high fever. Mastitis can be dangerous to a mother if left untreated.
The most common symptoms of mastitis are a fever, flu-like symptoms, and pain in the breast. If mastitis is caused by a plugged duct, that area of the breast may become red. These symptoms vary from woman to woman.
Doctors used to advise women to wean their infants if they developed a breast infection. Luckily, this is not the recommendation now. Many doctors recognize how quickly a mother recovers when she is allowed to continue nursing. Studies now show that the baby is protected from the bacteria by powerful antibodies provided in the breastmilk. Weaning can actually cause mastitis to get worse, especially if it is done suddenly and results in engorgement.
The best treatment for mastitis is to stay in bed and nurse your baby. If you are taking antibiotics for bacterial mastitis, take them regularly and follow your doctor's instructions. Use warm compresses to help with let-down. You can also use cold compresses to reduce
Latest Articles