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?
