Mastitis

Management of inflammatory mastitis

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BREAST REST

The “pipes” are not blocked, they are just inflamed.

Minimize breast pumping or firm massage.

Breast feed on demand only and hand express for comfort.

Hand express for comfort if you feel engorged. This is a great video guide: https://vimeo.com/65196007  Maya Bolman IBCLC Massage for Engorgement and Mastitis

ANTI- INFLAMMATORIES AND ANALGESIA

Ibuprofen can be dosed 800 mg every 8 hours and paracetamol 1,000 mg every 8 hours in the acute setting.

Sunflower or soy lecithin 5–10 g daily (3 capsules or 3 tsp per day) by mouth may be taken to reduce inflammation in ducts and emulsify milk.

ICE

Ice can be applied every hour or more frequently if desired to reduce inflammation. Avoid the nipple and areola.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Gentle pressure like petting a cat. Follow this video as a guide: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0Uwx7L47cg

IF YOUR SYMPTOMS HAVE NOT IMPROVED AFTER 24 HOURS SEE YOUR MIDWIFE OR DOCTOR

[i] Acknowledgement to Katie Fourie, MD for the Acronym.