MASTItIS / BREAST CONDITIONS

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue. It may or may not be associated with an infection. It can occur from the blockage of milk ducts or milk stasis/breast engorgement. Primarily this is caused by milk that is not drained from the breast and remains stagnant in the milk ducts. This may be a result of be ineffective milk removal through positioning or issues with the baby’s latch, over supply, missed feeds, cracked/damaged nipples or compression of the breast such as from underwire bras.

In many cases antibiotics can be avoided if the mastitis is non infective and managed with appropriate anti inflammatory measures.

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Signs/symptoms

  • Red
  • Hot
  • Swallen
  • Lump
  • Flu/fever symptoms

What can a women’s health physio do?

  • Therapeutic ultrasound
  • Lympatic drainage techniques and at home techniques
  • Referral to lactation consultant
  • Referral to diagnostic ultrasound if abscess suspected

What can I do?

  • Continue to feed and try not to skip feeds.
  • Apply warmth to the breast prior to the feed. You can do this via a warm face washer
  • Try to relax and breath to help with the let down
  • When not feeding apply a cold compress
  • Change feeding positions
  • Light sweeping hand stokes towards the nipple when feeding
  • Gentle sweeping stokes to the armpit when not feeding.
  • Remember the breast tissue is very delicate and the web of ducts so fine. Firm massage is not going to help here.
  • Firm massage is not going to help here.
  • Book an appointment if things have not improved in 24 hours
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