Mastitis is a painful infection that affects many new mothers.  However there are ways to relieve the pain naturally, and best of all, you can keep breastfeeding baby safely.  Read on to learn more.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that causes pain, swelling, and redness of the breast.  It most commonly occurs when women are breastfeeding, but on rare occasions, can occur outside of the lactation period.  Mastitis often occurs in the first six weeks after birth but it can occur later in the breastfeeding period.  The symptoms of mastitis include:

• breast tenderness and warmth to the touch
• general malaise or feeling ill
• swelling of the breast
• pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breastfeeding
• skin redness, often in a wedge shaped pattern
• a fever of 38.3 degrees Celsius or higher

Mastitis occurs when bacteria enter the breast through a crack or break in the skin of the nipple or through the opening to the milk ducts in the nipple.  Even though it is uncomfortable, it is safe to continue breastfeeding your baby when you have mastitis.

Treatment Options for Mastitis

There are several treatment options for mastitis.  One of these is the traditional route of a course of antibiotics which is taken over 10 to 14 days.  There are some self-care remedies that are also of help.  To reduce your chances of getting mastitis in the first place, fully drain the milk from your breast while you are breastfeeding.  Allow the baby to completely empty one breast before switching to the other.  Alternate the breast you offer first at each feed, and change the position that you use regularly.  Always make sure that your baby latches on properly. 

Use cabbage leaves as a poultice for your breasts.  The cabbage leaves will reduce heat and swelling.  Simply place a large leaf from a green cabbage in each cup of your bra, and change it frequently.

The following herbs may be of use:

• Cleavers – this is useful for swelling, which blocks proper and necessary drainage, and boosts blood-cleansing capacities in the body.
• Calendula – is excellent for promoting the flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid and is especially helpful for dissolving blockages.
• Prickly ash – stimulates the lymphatic flow, increases immunity, and dissolves deposits and blockages.
• Echinacea root – this is an antibiotic alternative that can be used along with your chosen lymphatic/s for its innate infection fighting capabilities.
• Garden sage or parsley – eaten or brewed for tea will act as the opposite of a galactagogue, drying up the excess milk to reduce blockages in the milk ducts and improve swelling, helping the infection to heal.

Homoeopathic remedies that may help include:

• Belladonna – for breasts that are inflamed, red, hot tender, throb, and have red streaks radiating from the nipples.
• Bryonia – for breasts that are hot, hard, and painful, especially when you move.
• Silicea – if your nipples are cracked and infected.
• Phytolacca – for breasts that are very firm, sensitive, and have a purple hue.

Warm, moist compresses applied to the affect breast before feedings can ease discomfort and help to ensure that the ducts drain.