Cupboard Cures for Mastitis
These articles in the "Cures" section are copyrighted and are not to be reprinted without permission of the author.
These cupboard cures are remedies that work for some moms but they are not meant as a treatment plan for your specific situation. If you are experiencing a breastfeeding challenge, I can provide professional support and together we can create an treatment plan specifically tailored to you and your baby's needs. Some breastfeeding situations can be remedied with cupboard cures moms have used for years but in other cases you may need care and support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and/or your Healthcare Provider. I would be honored to help you on your breastfeeding journey.
What is mastitis and what causes it?
What are the symptoms of mastitis?
What are some cupboard cures for mastitis?
These cupboard cures are just ideas to get started on the road to recovery but please contact me for a personal consultation and an in-depth treatment plan specific to you and your baby. I bring over 30 years of experience working with parents and babies and over ten years as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Some moms have used home remedies and report they are able to solve the issue without the use of antibiotics if they start as soon as they notice the symptoms. Some of these remedies are shared here but if non-antibiotic treatment has not improved the symptoms after 24 hours, you should contact your Health Care Provider (HCP). A prescription of oral antibiotics may be necessary.
Remember, if the above remedies do not resolve the issue in 24 hours you should contact your HCP. The risk of developing an abscess is a possibility when mastitis goes without proper treatment.
Most importantly, mastitis will clear up and you will enjoy many months of breastfeeding you baby!
Mastitis can be painful and discouraging. Melissa is an IBCLC and can offer both professional medical help and support with this or any step in your breastfeeding journey. If you're interested in setting up a breastfeeding consultation with Melissa, please fill out our easy CONTACT FORM to get started!
Please note: If you have a question about a medical matter you should consult your healthcare provider. Do not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your healthcare provider.
These articles in the "Cures" section are copyrighted and are not to be reprinted without permission of the author.
These cupboard cures are remedies that work for some moms but they are not meant as a treatment plan for your specific situation. If you are experiencing a breastfeeding challenge, I can provide professional support and together we can create an treatment plan specifically tailored to you and your baby's needs. Some breastfeeding situations can be remedied with cupboard cures moms have used for years but in other cases you may need care and support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and/or your Healthcare Provider. I would be honored to help you on your breastfeeding journey.
What is mastitis and what causes it?
- Mastitis is a breast inflammation generally caused by milk not draining well and then irritating the breast by leaking or backing up in to the breast tissue.
- There is also the possibility that bacteria have entered the breast through a damaged nipple, which could also cause this inflammation.
- One cause can be that feedings have been interrupted, going a longer time between feedings so that breasts get overfull.
- You may need more rest.
- It is also a possibility that a purse or diaper bag strap has pressed into the breast restricting the flow or backing up the milk.
What are the symptoms of mastitis?
- Mastitis feels like you have the flu: headache, fever over 100.4, chills, and body aches.
- Generally one of your breasts is tender, pink, and has a warm area.
What are some cupboard cures for mastitis?
These cupboard cures are just ideas to get started on the road to recovery but please contact me for a personal consultation and an in-depth treatment plan specific to you and your baby. I bring over 30 years of experience working with parents and babies and over ten years as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Some moms have used home remedies and report they are able to solve the issue without the use of antibiotics if they start as soon as they notice the symptoms. Some of these remedies are shared here but if non-antibiotic treatment has not improved the symptoms after 24 hours, you should contact your Health Care Provider (HCP). A prescription of oral antibiotics may be necessary.
- Put baby to the breast frequently.
- Wear comfortable fitting bras and clothes.
- Eat a healthy well-balanced diet.
- Get plenty of rest (not sleeping on your stomach).
- If open areas/cracks are found on the nipple, treatment for sore nipples should be done.
- Oftentimes sore nipples are due to a latch problem and this should be assessed by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Feel free to contact me.
- It is important to nurse the baby frequently on the affected side (when he or she nurses the most vigorously). Sometimes a baby will not feed on the affected side as the milk may taste saltier. If the baby will not nurse on the affected side, you should pump and hand express at least every 2-3 hours and continue to offer this breast to the baby until he begins to feed on this side again.
- Between feedings cold compresses/ice may help with inflammation.
- Very cold raw cabbage leaves placed 2-3 times per day for 15 minutes on the affected area can reduce inflammation and pain and can also help draw out infection and heat.
- If a cold poultice (a moist preparation placed on an aching or inflamed part of the body) is desired, the use of a cold, grated raw potato can placed on the breast and covered with a towel.
- Taking an anti-inflammatory recommended by your healthcare provider will also decrease the inflammation.
- Sometimes using both warmth and cold may be comforting. Taking a warm shower may help mom to relax and allow the milk to be hand expressed while in the shower. This will loosen the clogged area and may help with the inflammation and pain.
- Some mothers like to use cold between feedings and then apply warmth right before the feeding.
- Raw garlic acts as a broad-spectrum antibiotic and can be taken raw.
- Echinacea assists the body in fighting off infections.
- Some moms report that taking Vitamin C and consuming more foods high in vitamin C is helpful. This would include bell peppers, dark leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, kiwi, papayas, strawberries, oranges and the herbs: thymes and parsley.
- Gentle Therapeutic Breast Massage may also be helpful -an IBCLC may be able to teach this to you.
Remember, if the above remedies do not resolve the issue in 24 hours you should contact your HCP. The risk of developing an abscess is a possibility when mastitis goes without proper treatment.
Most importantly, mastitis will clear up and you will enjoy many months of breastfeeding you baby!
Mastitis can be painful and discouraging. Melissa is an IBCLC and can offer both professional medical help and support with this or any step in your breastfeeding journey. If you're interested in setting up a breastfeeding consultation with Melissa, please fill out our easy CONTACT FORM to get started!
Please note: If you have a question about a medical matter you should consult your healthcare provider. Do not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your healthcare provider.