Article By Michelle O'Connor, Breast
Feeding Questions
Having your baby can be one of the
most emotionally fulfilling experiences. Life just takes a dramatic turn with
the arrival of your little one. If you have a newborn, your first priority now
is to feed your baby. If you have decided that bonding and providing essential
nutrients from your bosom is for you, then you need to know how to prevent or
rid yourself of mastitis. Nothing should
get in the way of a mother's ability to breastfeed her baby.
How to Avoid Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection caused by
a clogged duct in the nipple of a nursing mother. To reduce the chances of developing clogs in
the ducts of your nipples, avoid wearing bras or tight fitting tops that
constrict your breasts. Sleep on your
back or side as a clog may occur by sleeping on your stomach.
Make sure that you are feeding
your baby breast milk on a regular basis.
Missed feedings can cause your breasts to become engorged, which can
cause your ducts to clog. Breast
compression or breast massage before latching is one of the most effective ways
to avoid clogged ducts all together. Using a breast feeding pillow can help
ensure you are feeding in a good position.
Warning
Signs
There are many indicators of a
possible case of mastitis that every breastfeeding mom should be wary of. These are just a few:
-
What may begin as a tingling sensation in the nipple
and quickly develops into pain while the baby is nursing may be mean
mastitis. However, not every case of
mastitis results in significant pain so a nursing mother should pay attention
to other indicators as well.
-
Soreness and redness around the area of suckling
could be caused by mastitis; the site of the clogged duct develops a very
pronounced red spot, which is extremely painful to the touch and holding, or
carrying your baby on this side may become unbearable. There may also be a lump visible or
detectable by touch.
-
A breastfeeding mother may experience flu-like
symptoms such as fever with chills and body aches. Mastitis may also cause exhaustion as many
women report with mastitis have reported a sharp decline in energy.
Tips for Reducing the Effects of Mastitis
As soon as you suspect you have
mastitis,
-
Go to sleep as soon as possible and get good
rest! Sitting quietly for a few hours
without much activity can help shorten the duration of mastitis.
-
Take Echinacea and Vitamin C to enhance your immune
system and help fight the infection. If
the infection persists beyond a few days, you should consult a physician.
-
Apply warm water to the site of the clogged
duct. Use warm tap water or immerse your
breast in a pot of warm water. A warm
shower or bath can work wonders as well.
-
Try to nurse and if you do not succeed at first, try
and try again. Attempt to nurse the baby
on the side of the clogged duct as often and as long as possible to work out
the clog. (If you are away from your baby for a period, you might try using a
breast pump, to find one locate a good breast
feeding supply store near you).
Massaging the breast while the baby suckles may also help.
About the Author:
Adam is the owner of a content publishing company, Quickbeam, LLC, that teaches non-techies to make money on the Internet. Adam is an expert on a variety of topics from bridal fashions and travel to maternity and pregnancy clothing and his passion is to share his love for these topics through the written word.
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