Mastitis

Mastitis is a bacterial infection usually caused by a plugged duct that becomes infected, but it’s possible to get mastitis without a plugged duct. Mastitis affects how your whole body feels, because your body is reacting to an infection. You may experience  flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches) in addition to breast pain.

If cared for properly, mastitis can often be resolved naturally, allowing you and baby to skip a doctor’s visit and antibiotics. If infection (mastitis) symptoms last over 24 hours though, consult your doctor as a round of antibiotics may be needed. If left untreated, mastitis could lead to a breast abscess and need to be surgically drained.  This is not common but can happen.

As with plugged ducts, it’s important to recognize the cause of your mastitis so you can take measures to prevent recurrence.

Symptoms

  • Whole body, flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, body aches, fatigue

  • Breast pain and swelling

  • Breast is warm to the touch

  • Breast redness at the painful area. If you see a distinct red line on your breast, consult your doctor as this may be a sign of abscess.

Possible Causes

  • Plugged duct that became infected

  • Stress, being overworked, trying to do too much

  • Bacteria entering the nipple due to cracked nipples, unsanitary pump parts, etc

What to do?

Say it with us: “Heat, Massage, Rest, Empty Breast”

  1. You must clear your plugged duct pronto. See Plugged Duct section.

  2. Rest as much as possible for at least 24 hours. Get into bed with your baby. Have someone else prepare meals for you, take care of the house, chores, other kids, etc.  Your job is to rest a lot, and nurse, nurse, nurse.

  3. Boost your immunity to help your body fight the infection by taking the following every 4 hours:

    • 1 Tbls elderberry syrup

    • 2 squirts echinacea

    • 500mg vitamin C

    • Raw garlic

  4. Use these additional measures to drain your lymphatic system and draw out the clog:

    • Poke root tincture: 4 drops - not dropersful! - internally every 12 hours. Put a couple sips of water in a cup, add 5 drops of poke root and drink. Note: poke root should only be used when a fever is present.  It is a potent herb that can cause nausea or vomiting  if overused.

    • Add poke root to your castor oil compress routine (from Plugged Duct section). Rub 4 drops of poke root tincture onto your breast where the pain is before placing saturated flannel on top of breast.

When to get help

Contact a lactation consultant or health care provider if any of the following is true. Untreated mastitis runs the risk of evolving into a breast abscess, which could require surgical drainage:

  • Mastitis symptoms get worse 

  • Mastitis symptoms do not improve within 24 hours after you start treatment

  • Signs of a breast abscess are present: red line on your breast, lump continuing to grow or not getting smaller

Want to talk with a lactation consultant?