Mastitis, blocked ducts and a little TMI.

Since becoming a mommy, I have enjoyed a lot of cuddle time with the Princess while she eats. But, I have also enjoyed much of the pain and struggle that comes with nursing. It is a learned art. Since then, I've met other moms going through similar things who had no idea what to do. This is, by no means, a treatment plan or a diagnostic tool. It is not comprehensive nor even accurate, for all I know, it's just what I've read and what has worked somewhat for me. And yes, a lot of TMI.

Mastitis occurs because of a blocked duct or bacteria getting into broken skin on the nipple. It often causes hot, red patches of skin and can feel hard and lumpy. You probably know that if you have a serious fever to call your doctor. I think they recommend calling if it exceeds 102 degrees.

Ways to ease the symptoms
It takes a few days for it to clear, even when it goes away without meds, but it's possible to ease the symptoms through rest, hydration, warm compresses, or a warm shower, and massage. Going long stretches without nursing will prolong the pain, as hard as it is to nurse. If the skin is cracked, there is a product called Lanolin that can help keep the nipple soft and prevent it from drying out. It's safe for the baby to ingest without needing to wash it off. (They derive it from lamb skin or wool, I think, which is a little weird.) I used Lansinoh, which doesn't have any added stuff in it.

If it is a blocked duct, it's important to work the blockage out. If it is, it feels like a hard lump with acute pain right around the block. Starting on the blocked side means baby has a stronger suck, since she's more interested and hasn't fallen asleep. If you can position her lower jaw in the direction of the block, it is supposed to come easier, since the lower jaw is strongest. That makes it difficult if the block is up toward the shoulder! We fed facing opposite ways on the bed, which means getting kicked in the face, but it worked. If you can massage from behind the block toward the nipple while she eats, that can contribute to removing it as well, but it has to be a lot of pressure to do much good. And it really hurts.

As the block comes out, you may see teeny white specks like mini blisters, on the nipple. Some people recommend lancing these with a sterilized needle, but I never had much success with that. Just be careful not to break the skin, which can lead to more problems.

Some prevention ideas
To prevent it from happening again, try to always empty the breast, at least one, at every feeding, then start on the other side next time. Pumping can help, especially if you have an over supply. A hand pump is sufficient for me, but it doesn't get everything out as well as an electric or as baby.

Wash your shirts and tops in hot water, in order to kill the germs. If the skin is still cracked, anything can get it, making it even more important to keep things clean. Also keeping the nipple dry will prevent cracking, as well as avoiding using soap. And using Lanolin, as above.

One big thing is to make sure nothing is constricting any of the milk ducts. A bra with underwire can do it, or even a tight sports bra. Also, not wearing a bra, and not having support, can put pressure on the ducts under the arm. Sleeping on the stomach lead to blocked ducts, too. If it's not one thing, it's another...

Some people say that drinking pineapple juice helps prevent blocks, but it has to be fresh to do any good. There is another things called Lecithin, which is supposed to prevent blocking. No idea what it is.

Here's more authoritative info: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mastitis/DS00678/DSECTION=symptoms

Do you have any helps?