Breast pain during pregnancy not only is physically bothersome but can be stressful.
This can lead to stopping breastfeeding earlier than you desire.
Let’s talk about one of the causes of breast pain, mastitis.
What is mastitis?
Mastitis is the medical term for an infection of the breast tissue. This infection of the breast can occur at any time and can affect men and women.
However, it is most frequent during the time of breastfeeding occurring in about 20 percent of breastfeeding women.
Although it can occur at any time you are lactating, it is most common in the first 2-3 weeks of breastfeeding. Around 75 percent of mastitis occurs before 3 months postpartum.
Mastitis can lead to stopping breastfeeding sooner.
A study showed that moms with mastitis reported a higher psychological stress level than moms without breast problems. The majority of women with breast problems and increased stress gave up breastfeeding sooner. They also more commonly reported that their milk quantity was insufficient.
Some research shows a relationship between stress and milk slowdown or stoppage.
Stress affects the release of oxytocin and prolactin which are needed for milk production and letdown.
True! If you have mastitis, you may have flu-like symptoms.
Other symptoms you may have are:
Breast swelling
Breast lump, usually tender and warm to touch
Pain or a burning sensation while breastfeeding or all the time
Skin redness in a wedge-shaped pattern
Fever
What causes mastitis?
A blocked milk duct. If your breast is not completely emptied at feedings a duct can become clogged. This clogged duct causes back up of milk and leads to breast infection.
Bacteria entering your breast. Bacteria from your skin or baby’s mouth can enter the ducts through cracked nipples or through milk duct opening and cause mastitis.
So what should you do if you think you may have mastitis?
You should contact your healthcare provider as mastitis is most commonly treated with antibiotics. A lactation counselor is also helpful to guide you in timing and approach to breastfeeding during your time of treatment and also to prevent recurrent mastitis.
False! Keep breastfeeding! Remember it is important to drain the breast completely! If breastfeeding is too painful then pump.
Risk factors for mastitis include:
Already had mastitis while breast-feeding
Nipples that are sore or cracked
Anything restricting milk flow (tightfitting bra or putting pressure on your breast with a seat belt or strap of a heavy bag)
Improper nursing technique
Being overly tired or stressed
Milk oversupply
Poor nutrition
Smoking
You may feel very sick from mastitis. Usually, you will feel better 48 hours after you start antibiotics.
In the meantime here are some tips to help:
Rest
Drink plenty of fluids
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (i.e. Ibuprofen) for pain
Empty breast regularly (breastfeed or pump)
Apply moist, warm heat to affected area and massage (depending on pain level)
You need to get the proper treatment for mastitis. If not adequately treated you can develop a breast abscess (a collection of pus). An abscess generally requires surgery to drain it.
Always speak to your healthcare provider if you think you may have mastitis.
False! Pumping too much can lead to oversupply which is a risk factor for development of mastitis.
Here are some ways you can decrease your risk of mastitis:
Avoid pumping too much.
Drain the milk fully from your breasts. Drain one breast completely before switching to the other. Make sure all areas of the breast have drained well and massage the area that feels like it is still full.
Vary your nursing position each feeding (ensures all areas of breast will drain well)
Ensure proper latch.
Stop smoking if you smoke.
Lecithin supplement daily may avoid repeat clogged ducts and mastitis.
Don’t let this very treatable issue keep you from achieving your breastfeeding goals. Don’t give up!
Be proactive to prevent mastitis. The key to this is support and guidance from a lactation counselor! If you suspect you have mastitis get treatment and keep on breastfeeding.
You got this, momma!
Reach out to schedule a 1-to-1 virtual video session with our licensed lactation counselors from the comfort of your home! Not sure if you need to see your healthcare provider- text us! As always, MaternalWell text support is available for general questions.
