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Mother & Baby

Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue, often, but not always, due to infection.
The most common cause is incomplete duct drainage, usually because baby isn’t positioned correctly for feeding. Other causes can be the pressure of a hand-bag strap, seatbelt, or bra.
In either case, the small tubules that carry milk become kinked or twisted, causing inflammation.

The first sign of mastitis is usually a sore red patch on the breast that may have radiating pink streaks, which spreads until the breast excruciatingly hot, hard, and painful to touch. Accompanying symptoms are temperature, headache, and feeling like you have a ‘flu.

What to do: •

Bed rest is essential, continue feeding baby exclusively from the affected breast.
Homeopathic remedies are excellent for mastitis; Phytolacca, Belladonna, Bryonia, Lachesis, Aconite and Sulphur are all options, but you will need to consult our Naturopath to determine which is the right one for you.
Herbal remedies are the best option if there is an infection; High doses of Echincea liquid are especially indicated.
Take Vitamin C, up to 4g daily in divided doses. While this may cause diarrhoea in your baby, it is still preferable to antibiotics, which are sometimes needed if symptoms continue. Keep fluids up for both you and your baby while taking Vitamin C in these high doses.
Ginger Poultice alternated with potato or taro poultice (contact Quintessence for directions).
Cabbage leaves; these should be warmed in the case of mastitis, try ironing them. Apply directly to breast (yes the shape is perfect!).
Use sweet almond oil to massage breast toward the ducts.
Zinc is also an expert infection fighter, take 15mg up to four times daily.
Hypericum Oil can be applied to the breast and washed off before the next feed.
Quintessence Mastitis Cream can be applied to the breast and washed off before the next feed.
In the case of fever, use Quintessence Anti-Viral Tea, which helps to support the body through the fever, and will also improve circulation to the breast.
Consult your midwife or doctor if condition is not improving