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Home › Articles › Overcoming Difficulties › Is It the Flu?

Is It the Flu?

Recognizing Mastitis

By Terreece MyKole Clarke

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  • Apply heat packs and massage, starting above and over the blocked duct while nursing and between breastfeedings or pumping sessions. Be aware that using heat while engorged may further compound the problem by adding to the edema or swelling.
  • Get enough rest. It may seem impossible when you have a newborn, but the old adage of sleeping when the baby sleeps still works. The laundry – and even the shower – can wait.
  • Eating a well-balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, will help bolster your immune system.
  • Use gravity. "In instances of a plugged duct, making use of gravity while feeding or pumping may help," Gromada says. "A breastfeeding or pumping position that allows a woman to 'bend over' at the waist uses gravity to help move the plug."

    • All of these methods work to relieve infectious mastitis, but with infection you also need to see your doctor. Infectious mastitis requires antibiotics. Some doctors may prescribe antibiotics immediately, while others may want you to try the methods described above and then take antibiotics if the condition doesn't improve. As with any antibiotic regimen, you must complete the prescribed dosage. Missing doses or stopping treatment can result in the infection returning.

    Advice for Avoidance

    All research shows that the most important way to treat both forms of mastitis is to keep breastfeeding or pumping. In rare cases, abrupt weaning may lead mastitis to develop into an abscess. When this happens, you will need to seek medical intervention to drain the abscess.

    As always, prevention is the best way to avoid the discomfort and pain associated with mastitis. My case stemmed from trying to do too much, too soon. I entertained the guests that came to visit; I took care of the relatives that stayed to take care of me, forgot to eat and tried to work and attend class two weeks after I had given birth. I also experienced cracked nipples from improper attachment. It took a painful infection for me to listen to my body and slow down.


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