Mastitis is a frequent condition during breastfeeding , which represents an important cause of abandonment. Knowing how to recognize the first symptoms is essential to act safely and effectively, and thus be able to continue enjoying breastfeeding without pain or additional complications.
We tell you everything you need to know about mastitis, the most common types that exist and what treatments it has.
Acute mastitis
Traditional mastitis or acute mastitis has an incidence of between ten and 15%, and although it usually occurs during the first three months postpartum, it can happen even when breastfeeding is perfectly established. It is caused by the obstruction of a duct that has become infected .
It is important to know that mastitis does not harm the baby , although the baby may reject the breast because the taste of the milk changes and it becomes more salty. If this happens, the help of a breast pump is essential.
Symptoms
The main symptoms are inflammation and pain . The chest feels warm, small lumps produced by the obstruction of the ducts are palpable, and reddened areas appear. It is also common to feel chills, muscle and joint pain and fever above 38.5º.
Treatment
As soon as the first symptoms appear, we must increase the frequency of feedings, because our baby will be the one who best helps us empty the chest and relieve congestion .
As we can read in this article on e-lactancia.org, the application of local heat briefly before feedings , and cold compresses afterwards to reduce pain, could also be evaluated. However, the recommendations in this regard are not clear, so it is advisable to consult with a lactation expert beforehand .
Massaging the breast with a softening reverse pressure, ensuring proper rest and hydration, opting for loose bras and taking analgesia compatible with breastfeeding for discomfort, are other measures that we can implement to alleviate symptoms.
If 24 hours later the mother does not feel improvement or worsens, it is important to see a doctor immediately, because a poorly treated mastitis can end up leading to other major problems.
Mastitis subaguda
Subacute mastitis are the most frequent but the least diagnosed , as there is great ignorance about them. Like acute mastitis, this type of mastitis also occurs due to a proliferation of bacteria that colonize the breast on a regular basis, although its symptoms differ from the previous ones.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this type of mastitis are not visible , hence the complexity that sometimes involves its diagnosis:
- Pain when breastfeeding that is not caused by poor latch on.
- Cramping or pricking sensation when the milk rises or during the feeding . Some mothers refer to it as “crystals or pins sticking in.” This pain can radiate to the back and armpit.
- Burning sensation in the chest.
- Sometimes milk pearls may appear, indicating that the duct has become obstructed.
Treatment
If you are experiencing this type of pain, the first thing you should do is consult an expert lactation doctor or a midwife to have a milk culture performed on you . The analysis will reveal the type and count of the bacteria involved, and an appropriate antibiotic treatment can be given, the most common being ciprofloxacin and sulfa drugs (not amoxicillin).
Among the recommendations that Pilar Martínez, lactation consultant and IBCL advises to follow are:
- Do not use the milk itself to heal sore nipples, as the infection could spread further.
- Nipple aerators and hydrogel discs often relieve symptoms.
Some women say they improve with the use of probiotics, although some experts consider that more studies should be done on their effectiveness and their cost-benefit ratio to really know the role they would have in the treatment of mastitis and breast pain.
Recurrent mastitis
Between seven and 12% of women with mastitis suffer from recurrent mastitis. These cases are usually due to the use of inappropriate antibiotics during previous acute mastitis. It is advisable to perform a breast milk culture to determine which bacteria is causing mastitis, and thus be successful with the use of the correct antibiotic.
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More information | Mastitis, update
