Understanding, Avoiding and Treating Mastitis

Studies show the biggest risk factors which lead to problems are nipple damage, oral thrush occurrence in the newborn, using a breast pump, high stress levels, sleep deprivation and a breastfeeding technique which doesn't efficiently empty the milk ducts. Most of these problems can be remedied though.

Ineffective emptying of the breast during a feed is the most important factor to deal with. Women who have a large supply of milk are certainly more at risk of this being a problem. Some remedies which may help include using a different breastfeeding position during the feed such as the football position, or expressing any remaining milk after the feed. Maintaining a regular feeding schedule also helps your body to produce an appropriate amount of milk, as opposed to the breast filling too much before a feed.

Nipple damage is caused by the newborn not suckling or attaching correctly. When attaching to the breast, the newborn's mouth needs to be open quite wide and the nipple goes into their mouth along with some of the surrounding areolar skin. If the baby only has the end of the nipple in their mouth this can lead to the baby's tongue moving the nipple on the roof of their mouth constantly, causing a blister.

If the newborn is causing constant nipple damage it is wise to see a certified lactation consultant to help teach you and the baby how to feed correctly.

Mastitis caused by a breast pump may be due to ineffective emptying of the breast. Always take the time to feel for any lumps while expressing and gently stroke over them towards the nipple to help remove them. Also be very cautious about how strong the suck is as expressing can cause just as much nipple damage as a newborn. Unless you are using the pump to relieve already blocked ducts there should not be any pain during pumping. If there is decrease the strength of suction on your machine.

It is also useful to always use the breast pump at the same time each day. This allows your body to get used to producing milk at that time. That way the breast doesn't become engorged withe potential for creating blocked ducts.

High stress levels and sleep deprivation are the most common cause of mastitis and can be difficult to remedy. Think firstly about the sleep deprivation. Make sure you are taking as much time as possible to sleep while the baby sleeps. If this means not doing some of the housework, so be it. It will still be there when you are ready to do it. If you have some really supportive relatives or friends perhaps they can help out in this regard. Also, don't fill your day with too many appointments. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of friend and family visits let alone the amount of pediatrician or child health nurse visits. Space everything out, making only one appointment or social visit each day so you have time to rest and bond with your baby.

As for the stress levels, these are mostly caused by the lack of sleep so focus first on that. The other most stressful part of being a new parent is that you are having a totally new experience, you know how important it is to "get it right" and you may be scared of this. Education from websites and health professionals, and even sometimes from family and friends, can be very useful in this time to help you overcome the new challenges that you face. Another great stress buster is to always surround yourself with supportive people and avoid contact with individuals who cause you to be stressed or doubt yourself.

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Understanding, Avoiding and Treating Mastitis