Mastitis is commonly occurs in those women who are breastfeeding their babies. It does not effect at the time of pregnancy at all. Mastitis is a kind of breast infection that effects on the breast tissues. The appearance of infection seems within three months after the delivery time. But generally it will effect anytime during the period of breastfeeding. Mastitis only effects on one breast.
In some cases, most women do not find ability to breastfeed their babies because milk does not produce from the breasts. Therefore milk remains in the breast. The reason behind this situation is the blockage of milk duct which allows the milk to produce from breast. Not only this, sometimes active bacteria enters inside the breast through the path of the nipple.
The reason of Mastitis can be easily identified through some intensive symptoms such as breast pain, redness, inflammation, tenderness and sensitive to touch. Some women get into fever. Mother feels shattered to care for her newborn.
Many statements have been shown by mothers that the breast infection could harm their babies but actually it is not true. This thought let the baby stay out of her mother and stop him to grow because mother feed is very important for the newborn baby to achieve good health as breast milk works like an antibiotic for the baby. But it is necessary to feed your baby even having mastitis because bacteria and infection could be removed in this way. If you feel your breast full of milk so you can pump it out using hand pump that will help to squeeze out the milk from your breast.
In cases of severe pain, you can get instant relief by adding some home remedies in your daily dairy. These are as follows:
1. Massage
Massage should be the first thing to do if you feel pain in your breast. Massage all around the breast and nipple area in the circular manner of hands. It will help in preventing the milk ducts from any blockage.
You can prepare massage oil yourself. Take equal amounts of apricot and wheat germ oil then mix them together.
- Use this massage to your breast.
- Do this remedy few times regularly.
- You can also use olive oil mixed with few drops of camphor oil.
- Use this oil to massage the breast for some time.
2. Hot and Cold Compress
Both hot and cold compresses are recommended in mastitis as both have different functions in this condition. Cold compresses are applied because it can relief the pain and swelling and hot compress allows the milk ducts to vibrant and improving the circulation of blood due to which milk flow would start.
- Wrap a hot water bottle in a thin towel to make hot compress.
- Wrap some ice cubes in a thin towel to make cold compress.
- Place them turn by turn on the victim breast for about 15 minutes.
- Process should be repeated 3 times daily.
3. Cabbage Leaves
Cabbage is found to be essential to reduce the inflammation in breast. It contains sulfur compounds which work to remove the swelling and infection instantly. The puffiness and blocked ducts would be clear from using cabbage leaves.
- Place some cabbage leaves in refrigerator for 30 minutes to let them chill a few.
- Now place the leaf on the infected breast.
- When the leaf comes to a room temperature, replace it with a new and cold one.
- Do this remedy few times on the daily basis, you will see more improvement the day after doing so.
4. Garlic
Garlic is an excellent ingredient also recommended to use when having mastitis in women. Garlic is natural antibiotic that fight against the bacteria responsible for spreading infection in breast. Garlic helps in making the immune system strong rescued.
- You would have to eat raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach.
- If you do not want to eat garlic cloves, you can add then in orange juice or water.
- Repeat the remedy for one week.
- Another thing you can do is to take supplements of garlic after consulting your doctor.
5. Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that promotes the immune system and fight against the infections found in body. Echinacea contains flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties.
- Apply some quantity of tincture of Echinacea tincture on the infected breast for 5 times.
- Do this remedy three times a day.
- Make sure to clean the area with warm water before breastfeeding your baby.
- You can also mix 4 drops of the Echinacea tincture to a glass of water.
- Drink this solution at least 4 times a day for a week only.
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains anti-inflammatory properties that stop the infection to be spread over. It also reduces inflammation and added energy in your body.
- In 2 parts of warm water, add 1 part of apple cider vinegar.
- Apply the solution on the infected breast with the help of cotton ball.
- Let it dry for 15 minutes then rinse it off with warm water.
- Do the remedy 3 times on daily basis.
- Another option is to mix 1 tbsp of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of water.
- You can also add little amount of honey in it.
- Drink this mixture 3 times for 2 weeks.
7. Fenugreek Seeds
Eating fenugreek seeds while breastfeeding will produce more breast milk because it makes the milk glands active. Fenugreek has flavonoids that cause the infection to be improved.
- Take 4 tbsp of fenugreek seeds and soak them in water all the night.
- Grind the soaked seeds into a paste in the morning.
- In a clean cloth, place this paste then keep it in microwave oven to let them slightly warm.
- Use this warm compress on the infected area.
- Follow this remedy two times daily for about 2 weeks.
- You can also prepare a fenugreek tea for 3 times daily until you see improvement.
8. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera contains natural healing power and is used in many treatments regarding health problems. It also helps in reducing the breast pain due to infection and prevents the tissues from any damage.
- Extract the gel from the aloe vera leaf.
- Apply this gel on the infected breast area.
- Sat aside and let it dry properly.
- Wash it off with lukewarm water.
- Follow the remedy few times a day.
9. Calendula
The most common of symptoms of breast like pain and swelling could be easily reduced with calendula. The calendula contains anti-bacterial properties that fight with the infection caused by bacteria.
- Take equal amounts of calendula flowers and comfrey leaves then prepare a paste by mixing them.
- Warm it slightly before applying it to the infected breast.
- Leave this paste for about 15 minutes then rinse it off with warm water.
- Follow the remedy 4 times daily.
10. Eat Foods with Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps in removing the breast infection and heals the tissues that are damaged. Vitamin C rich foods work to boost your immune system and speed up the blood circulation.
- Eat foods like oranges, lemons, guavas, papaya, kale, strawberries, limes, mustard, papaya, parsley and broccoli.
- Vitamin C supplements are also available at the drug stores after consulting a doctor.
Additional Tips
- Try to wear comfortable, loose clothes during the breastfeeding period.
- Always keep the nipple area clean and dry while breastfeeding to reduce the risk of mastitis.
- Make sure the baby is properly latching onto the breast.
- To make the heavy breast empty use a breast pump.
- Mothers who breastfeed should take proper rest and sleep.
- Do not lay down on your stomach for a long period time because it affects the flow of milk in the breasts.
- Keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Make sure your baby does not use your breast as a pacifier.
- Avoid taking so much stress as it creates complications.