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Lactation Mastitis

Blocked Milk Duct

It is very common while nursing to have different issues along the way. Just remember that the food is free and portable. Many choose to nurse and many chose not too and some choose to stop! Just do what feels right for you. 

Lactation Mastitis is the inflammation of breast tissue that can include an infection (swelling, redness, warmth, pain, etc.), often located in a single duct or region of the breast.

Symptoms - Lactation Mastitis

The symptoms may occur all of a sudden:

  • Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch

  • Breast swelling

  • Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump

  • Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding

  • Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern

  • Generally feeling ill

  • Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater

Always consult your mid-wife or physician to rule out infection.

Treatment - Lactation Mastitis

The treatment may include:

  • expressing the duct regularly

  • self massage

  • warm compresses

  • position baby to nurse from the affected duct

  • ultrasound therapy by a Physiotherapist

Make sure you stay hydrated, eat well and get sleep when you can. Nap time is for mom and baby whenever possible. If you smoke try to refrain or reduce the amount, if possible.

Prevention

  • Fully drain the milk from your breasts while breast-feeding.

  • Allow your baby to completely empty one breast before switching to the other breast during feeding.

  • Change the position you use to breast-feed from one feeding to the next.

  • Make sure your baby latches on properly during feedings.

  • If you are pumping make sure to hold the pump in different direction to make sure to drain all ducts evenly.

  • If you smoke, ask your doctor about smoking cessation.

Consult a lactation consultant to help you and your baby to get of on the right foot. 

How can Physio Help?

  • Ultrasound therapy is often a very effective solution to resolve Lactation Mastitis easily and efficiently

  • Ultrasound is painless and very comfortable

  • Ultrasound is safe and does not apply radiation to the tissue

  • Ultrasound reduces inflammation by vibrating the cells at a very high rate through the use of sound waves.

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