Home Remedies and Herbs for Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection in the breast tissue. It can cause severe pain and swelling and even fever. Mastitis is most common in breastfeeding women, however, mastitis can also occur in women who aren’t breastfeeding. When mastitis occurs in breastfeeding women it’s referred to as lactation mastitis.¹ Lactation mastitis occurs within the first 6-12 weeks after the woman has given birth, though it can also occur later on during breastfeeding.¹ Though it’s a treatable condition, mastitis is typically considered uncomfortable and inconvenient as it causes the mother to be unable to care for her baby. However, continuing to breastfeed during mastitis is still possible for many women. By using mastitis natural remedies, new mothers can help to heal the infection, reduce symptoms and protect their baby’s health using safe home treatments.¹

What Causes Mastitis?

Mastitis causes typically stem from a bacterial infection from the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The bacteria enters the skin through a crack or break in the skin, usually around the nipple. As the infection develops, it affects the fatty tissue of the breast and causes it to become inflamed and swell. The swollen tissue pushes against the milk ducts which causes painful lumps to form.² Typically lactation mastitis causes are due to new mothers not using proper breastfeeding techniques. Improper breastfeeding can cause breaks in the skin or can block the milk ducts. When breasts don’t completely empty after feeding, it can cause the milk to backup which can lead to mastitis.¹ Mastitis causes can be attributed to certain risk factors including:¹

• Poor nutrition
• Previous history of mastitis with other pregnancies
• Not changing positions during breastfeeding which doesn’t allow milk to drain
• Wearing constricting clothing across the breasts
• Being too tired or stressed

Mastitis Symptoms

Mastitis symptoms typically occur during the weeks following starting breastfeeding. Mastitis symptoms typically include:^{1 2}

• Breast pain and soreness
• Skin redness
• Breast swelling and inflammation
• Burning sensation or pain while breastfeeding
• Nipple discharge
• Enlarged lymph nodes on the same side as the affected breast
• Fatigue and feeling unwell
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Itching

These mastitis symptoms are often treatable using safe mastitis natural remedies that can reduce pain and inflammation and help heal the infection.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/basics/definition/con-20026633
2. http://umm.edu/Health-Information/Medical-Reference-Guide/Medical-Encyclopedia/Articles/Breast-infection