Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Natural Treatments for Painful Mastitis
Signs and Symptoms
Mastitis is usually associated with painful, swollen and engorged breasts. Breasts may feel warm and tender to the touch; and some discharge from the nipple may be seen. You may find it extremely painful to nurse or pump breast milk, but decreased nursing may increase the risk for complications (including abscesses or systemic infection). Mastitis typically affects only one breast, and can appear quickly and without warning.
Causes
Like many other breastfeeding moms, the first weeks of breastfeeding may have been accompanied by sore, cracked or bleeding nipples. Mastitis is more prevalent in the first weeks because bacteria can enter your breast through these cracks in the skin or through the opening to the milk ducts. The bacteria can cause an infection that leads to pain and swelling of the breast.
Prevention
Practicing a few simple tips may prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of mastitis.
• Avoid tight-fitting bras, or wire bras that may restrict milk flow.
• Change breast feeding positions to ensure proper drainage of your breasts.
• Allow your baby to completely empty one breast before switching to the other breast during feeding.
• Alternate which breast you use first each time you breast feed.
• Make sure you have a proper latch for EVERY feeding. If the latch doesn't feel comfortable, break the latch by inserting your baby finger and start over. Never allow an improper latch even if it's for a short feed.
• Keep nipple area clean and dry.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Consult a lactation consultant. Even if you think you have the hang of breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can be a wonderful resource to a first time mom.
Home Treatment
If you find yourself with a bout of mastitis, using these few simple home treatments as soon as the first signs appear may help to resolve the infection quickly.
• Before nursing or pumping use heat and gentle, but firm massage. Apply warm compresses or a heat pack, or take a warm shower before breastfeeding or pumping. Massage from the affected area toward the nipple.
• Continue breastfeeding. Your baby will not become ill. This is one of the best choices you can make to treat your mastitis. Aim to breastfeed at least every 2 hours, even if you do not think you are producing much milk. If you are unable to breastfeed that frequently, pump or hand express milk. Keeping the milk flowing helps rid the breast of the infection.
Conventional Treatment
The standard treatment for mastitis is a 10-14 day course of antibiotics, and ibuprofen or a similar anti-inflammatory for the pain and swelling. However, antibiotics may increase your risk for a secondary yeast infection, called thrush, of the nipple or infant's mouth.
Homeopathic Medicines
Homeopathy is a very gentle, safe, yet effective natural method of healing. It is based on the principle of like cures like. When the correct homeopathic medicine is given it can cause a quick healing response.
For more information on common homeopathic medicines that can successfully treat mastitis, please visit the following link and click on the article title:
Natural Treatments for Painful Mastitis: From One Mom to Another.
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Dr. Laurinda Kwan, ND is a primary care doctor clinically trained in natural therapies. Her expertise is using homeopathy to support the body's own natural healing abilities. Her practice is located in Tempe: (480) 456-0402. To learn more, please visit her
website.