Mastitis – How to prevent it
Written by Jill Dunn - MHSc Complementary Medicine, Registered Naturopath, Registered Medical Herbalist, Registered Nurse (Non-practising)
Mastitis simply means inflammation of the breast and most frequently occurs when a woman is breastfeeding, or has recently ceased breast feeding. In the early weeks of breastfeeding, nipples may become cracked or sore and may provide entry to bacteria that are present in the baby's mouth and throat, or on the mother's hands. These bacteria can travel from the nipple to the milk ducts which become blocked as a result of infection and inflammation.
A blocked milk duct usually feels like a bruised lump and a red streak may radiate out from the area. If mastitis has developed, there will be painful breast tenderness and redness of the breast, which is usually accompanied by fever. The infected breast may become hard, lumpy and swollen, and if not treated early can form an abscess that may require surgical draining.
Mastitis is preventable, and even when blocked ducts are present, early treatment with hot herbal poultices and homeopathic remedies can reduce the progression towards mastitis, but treatment must be immediate. With a new baby and when breastfeeding, it is a wise idea to have appropriate remedies close at hand for when the occasion arises when they might be needed quickly. But before we get onto remedies to help prevent the progression once a problem has arisen, we’ll discuss how to prevent it.
Firstly, before breast feeding make sure you wash your hands, and your nipples with warm water only (don’t use soap on nipples as it is drying). After completion of the feed, apply calendula cream or oil and massage into the areola and nipple area, to moisturise and to prevent cracks.
Engorged breasts
An oversupply of milk can cause breast engorgement. When milk comes in for the first time it can do so very quickly and may lead to painful, swollen (engorged) breasts, which if not appropriately dealt with could predispose to mastitis and breast abscess. Engorged breasts must be treated promptly, keep draining the breast either by feeding your baby or expressing milk. If your baby is having trouble latching on to the breast because your nipples are too distended, express milk prior to the feed. Feeding a little and often is often all that is required until the problem resolves itself, or express and freeze in sterile containers for later use. Make sure you label the containers and add the current date, breast milk will keep for up to six months. If your milk supply is excessive, parsley or sage tea can be used to reduce supply. Steep one tablespoon of the fresh herb in 300mls of boiling water, covered for 15 minutes. Strain and have 1 or 2 cups per day only, as larger amounts can dwindle your milk supply. Once your supply is diminished, stop using these herbs.
Bruised cabbage leaves that have been refrigerated can be placed inside your bra to relieve engorgement. Homeopathic remedies are prescribed according to a picture that goes with each remedy. Calcarea carbonica 30c can be used when there is a lot of milk and the baby is reluctant to feed. The mother may feel chilly, anxious and fearful and may perspire on the head during the night. Three or four drops of this remedy can be taken twice daily until improvement occurs, at which time you cease use of the remedy.
Weaning
When weaning your baby from the breast, use the measures mentioned above to reduce breast engorgement. Specific combination homeopathic remedies for weaning may combine Belladonna 30c, Lac Caninum 30c and Urtica urens 6c, 15c and 30c to diminish milk production. It is best to wean your baby slowly over several weeks, if necessary replacing a breast feed with a bottle feed. In this way your breast milk production will naturally decrease on its own accord, and is less likely to result in breast engorgement and the risk of mastitis.
Cracked nipples
Cracked nipples can provide entry for bacteria into breast tissue. To avoid cracked nipples prepare your breasts prior to childbirth [See article “About breastfeeding- nipple preparation and establishment of milk supply”]. Ensure that when breastfeeding the baby is fully latched on, over the entire pigmented areola tissue surrounding the nipple, and if the problem continues seek the advice of a lactation specialist. Preparations containing lavender oil are particularly effective at settling stinging, sore, nipples when applied after feeding.
Calendula herbal ointment is excellent for moisturizing and healing cracked nipples, and can be applied after every feed as a preventative. Calendula flowers infused in a base of vegetable oils such as almond or jojoba are superior to homeopathic calendula ointment for this purpose. Calendula flowers have antimicrobial properties and provide some protection against bacterial infection. To reduce the risk of infection, change your breast pads after each feed. The homeopathic remedy Graphites 30c can also be used for painful, cracked nipples if healing is slow. If required take three drops four times daily for three days. It is very important that you keep feeding on this breast, otherwise it may become engorged and ultimately infected. If feeding is painful, use a nipple shield and seek advice from a lactation specialist.
Blocked ducts
When a milk duct becomes blocked, a red patch may develop over the affected area on the breast, which becomes tender. It is important that you keep feeding your baby on this side. Start each feed with the affected breast or if your baby is not feeding very well on this side, express the milk every hour to empty the breast. Blocked ducts require prompt treatment if breast infection is to be avoided. Homeopathic remedies can be valuable at this time and if used promptly, may prevent the development of mastitis. When you have chosen the most appropriate single or combination remedy, take three or four drops/sprays of it three times daily until improvement occurs, then stop. A combination remedy may be more appropriate, as it covers a wider range of symptoms. Possible homeopathic remedies include:
Belladonna 30c can be used when excess milk is produced and the breast becomes red, hot, swollen, tender and possibly rock hard. The breast-feeding woman appears flushed and is hot.
Phytolacca 30c can be used when the breasts become rock hard, heavy, swollen and painful particularly when feeding. The breast-feeding mother aches all over her body and is irritable and restless.
Externally, apply comfrey ointment or aloe vera gel to the red and inflamed area of breast. Grate a raw potato and apply directly to breasts and cover with a clean cloth. Grated raw potato draws out the heat of inflammation and localizes infection and helps unblock milk ducts1.
Ensure you wash your nipples in warm water and remove all traces of comfrey ointment before breast-feeding. A blend of Echinacea angustifolia root and purpurea leaves ( 3,000mg 3-4 times per day until improvement is seen ) and propolis tincture (10 -15 drops twice daily) combined with vitamin C and zinc can be used to boost mothers immunity in the short term. Sometimes multiple treatments may be required – herbs, nutrients, homeopathics and an external poultice or ointment. If there is no improvement within 24 hours, seek medical advice. These measures can also be used in conjunction with antibiotics if necessary, in order to speed recovery and avoid abscess formation.
Breast infections, may also indicate that the breast feeding mother is overtired and having inadequate rest. Make sure you have a nap, when your baby and other children go down for a sleep.
References
- Weed, S.S. 1986, Wise woman herbal for the childbearing years. Ash Tree Publishing: Woodstock, New York.
Other articles in this section:
