ACCEPTING PRIVATE-PAY & MANY BCBS & CIGNA PLANS!
  • Scheduling
  • About
  • Online Breastfeeding Class
  • Common Breastfeeding Issues
    • Engorgement
    • Sore Nipples
    • Latch
    • Milk Supply
    • Pumping Class
    • How do I choose the right doctor for my baby?
  • Breastfeeding TeleHealth
  • Prenatal Breastfeeding Prep
    • San Antonio Doulas
    • Post Partum Depression
    • Breastfeeding Resources in San Antonio
    • Breastmilk Donation
  • Tongue Tie
  • BreastReading Blog
  • Breastfeeding Education for Business
  • En español
  • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Media, Advocacy and Special Programs
  • Breastfeeding Support Groups
  • Equity & Diversity Resource Page
  • Tongue-Tie-Learning-Center
  • For Professionals
  • Baby Scale Rental
  • Formula Shortage
  • Feeding-Emergency
  • Insurance Verification

When breastfeeding hurts...

This page is under construction. Check back for more updates! Thank you!

Mastitis

Of all of the preventable breastfeeding complications, mastitis is likely the least favorite of most mothers who have experienced it. It is a bacterial breast infection of the breast which mothers can and mothers can aquire in a number of ways. Although it usually starts with a plugged milk duct, a cracked and bleeding nipple from a poor latch can also be a doorway for infection. The key to helping prevent mastitis is ensuring that your baby has a good latch, your pump flange fits well, and that anything that touches your breast is clean (not necessarily sterile), this includes nipple shields, bras, pump parts, and a commonly undiscussed culprint (especially for prenatal mastitis): your partner's hands and mouth. 

Mastitis usually begins as a sharp or dull pain in a specific part of the breast. If it is near the breast's surface, reddening of the skin is usually seen. If the infection is deeper in the breast sometimes pain is the only initial symptom. If the infected area is not drained properly an infant's strong suck or by a pump, it can very quickly go from pain to swelling to flu-like symptoms of fever, chills and a malaise. When a mother suspects a plugged duct, it is best for her to nurse her baby on the affected side first, so that the baby's most vigorous sucks help empty the breast. Changing the baby's position helps ensure that suction is distributed to all milk ducts. Moms who pump or hand express may see the milk plug or infection in their expressed milk (hand expressing into a mirror can be helpful because coagulated-or clumped-milk will stick to the mirror to help a mother confirm she has unplugged the affected area). Milk from a breast affected breast is usually safe for a mother to continue giving to her baby (remember, although the milk may be infected, it is also protected by specific antibodies, however, mother's who get mastitis while pumping for very preterm/premature infants may want to discuss their infection with their baby's doctor). Some moms find that placing warm compresses over the affected area will help relax the milk ducts and loosen the plug or infection.

Treatment Options

Addressing a poor latch and using good hand-hygenie are the two most preventative measures mothers can take to prevent mastitis. Once a plug or infection has formed, attempting to nurse or plug the infection out is the first step, but there are other ways to treat mastitis or plugged ducts if it continues to develop. 

The most common medical treatment for mastitis in the United States is antibiotics. Antibiotics, though usually effective for mastitis, can impact the body's chemistry and lead to an over-population of yeast in the mother's gut, which can lead to a vaginal or breast yeast infection (thrush). Alternative therapies such as the use of the antioxidant grapeseed oil or extract, (not grapefruit seed oil or extract), immunity boosters such as high doses of Vitamin C and echinacea use, and probiotics can be effective ways of managing and eliminating a mastitis infection. In fact, this reseach article discusses the important role of probiotics in protecting the breast from mastitis. Natural treatments are not without their side-effects and drug-interactions. All supplements and medications should be research and discussed with healthcare providers who know your wellness history.
Picture

Breastfeeding Housecalls & Lactation Clinic, LLC
(210) 209-1002
San Antonio, TX

The services offered by Breastfeeding Housecalls do not replace medical advice;
please consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you or your child are not well.


As does every healthcare provider, Breastfeeding Housecalls has a legal obligation to report unsafe conditions.



Our Affliations
​

Breastfeeding Housecalls adheres firmly to the World Health Organization's Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and only participates in activities or conducts business with organizations who are free of ties from manufacturers of artificial baby milk (infant formula).

Website and all content © 2022
Breastfeeding Housecalls & Lactation Clinic LLC


Breastfeeding Housecalls will take legal action against any person, company or organization who/that takes or uses as theirs any content or original concept from this website.

Breastfeeding Housecalls, LLC's ​Privacy Practices
  • Scheduling
  • About
  • Online Breastfeeding Class
  • Common Breastfeeding Issues
    • Engorgement
    • Sore Nipples
    • Latch
    • Milk Supply
    • Pumping Class
    • How do I choose the right doctor for my baby?
  • Breastfeeding TeleHealth
  • Prenatal Breastfeeding Prep
    • San Antonio Doulas
    • Post Partum Depression
    • Breastfeeding Resources in San Antonio
    • Breastmilk Donation
  • Tongue Tie
  • BreastReading Blog
  • Breastfeeding Education for Business
  • En español
  • Contact Us
  • Testimonials
  • Media, Advocacy and Special Programs
  • Breastfeeding Support Groups
  • Equity & Diversity Resource Page
  • Tongue-Tie-Learning-Center
  • For Professionals
  • Baby Scale Rental
  • Formula Shortage
  • Feeding-Emergency
  • Insurance Verification