Mastitis
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Factors that predispose to mastitis include damaged nipples, infrequent or scheduled feeds, missing feeds, poor attachment between baby and the breast, illness in the mother or baby, oversupply of milk, rapid weaning or reduction in night feeds, pressure on the breast (e.g. tight bra, sleeping on tummy), milk bleb (blocked nipple pore) and stress and fatigue in the mother.
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How can we help?
So what are conservative measures? At the first sign of symptoms, which often presents as a ‘blocked duct’ or a small lumpy/tender area that may be red, is to continue feeding and prioritise feeding off the affected breast. Massaging the breast can be very useful but it is essential to handle breasts gently – please no hard rubbing on the sore spot, this can traumatise the breast and make things worse. Gently massage the whole breast in sweeping motions towards your armpit and collarbone. Use strategies that cool and calm the breast such cold compresses and ice packs and over the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen is recommended. Resting as much as possible also helps a lot, but we know how hard this can be, especially if you have other young children or you are working!
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