If you are not already aware, mastitis is a condition which leads of inflammation of breast tissues because of obstruction of milk ducts eventually leading to infection. Mastitis can happen to any nursing mom especially to those who do not breastfeed on a regular basis and can cause flu like situation with heavy fever and feelings of tiredness.

Ill-fitting nursing bras – One of the many causes of Mastitis

Experts have found that ill-fitting maternity nursing bras is one of the many reasons why mastitis develops in breastfeeding moms. In this case, the bra is unsupportive or too confining restricting the free circulation of milk between the milk ducts. This result in milk ducts getting plugged leading to inflammation and infection.

Some other reasons (apart from maternity bras) why mastitis can set in are as follows:

  • Irregular and low breastfeeding
  • Missing feeding
  • Long intervals between breastfeeding
  • Ignoring nursing cues like feeling of breasts being full
  • Sleeping on your belly for long duration
  • Cracked or bleeding nipples
  • Excessive stress

Major Breast Mastitis Symptoms

The following are some of the major symptoms of breast mastitis:

  • Flu like condition with heavy fever (101F or higher)
  • High level of tenderness in one of the breasts
  • Feeling of tiredness or run down
  • Having body chills
  • Ache in body parts

Natural Remedies to Deal with Mastitis

Here are a few natural remedies for mastitis. If you feel that the condition is worsening, please consult a lactation specialist at the very earliest.

1.) Get a lot of rest and try to relax your body
2.) Try to unblock your breast ducts by nursing often. If your child is not around use a breast pump instead
3.) Light massage your breast to ensure healthy circulation
4.) Give yourself a hot bath twice or thrice a day
5.) Alternatively place hot and cold compressions on the effected area of your breast
6.) Drink plenty of water and eat healthy food
7.) Try using different breastfeeding positions while nursing your baby
8.) Change your nursing bra and get a bra that is comfortable. Usually bras with flaps will do the trick

It is always best to take advice from a lactation specialist in case you feel you have symptoms of mastitis coming up. If you have any additional tips to deal mastitis, feel free to send them along to us using our contact form.