Getting through mastitis one day at a time: 5 tips that’ll actually help
If you’re a breastfeeding mama, you may have heard the term mastitis floating around your nursing classes or among your friends.
An inflammation of the mammary gland, mastitis is painful (like I-don’t-have-words-to-describe-the-pain painful), uncomfortable and can feel like it’s never going to go away.
But it will, trust us.
With the help of your doctor (who will most likely prescribe you with antibiotics) and the following five tips, you’ll be able to get through it – one day at a time.
1. Massage your breasts in the shower (as gently as you can)
The warmth of the water will help alleviate any pain and the massage will help to open up clogged areas. Be as gentle as you can because it will hurt a bit.
2. Dangle feeding (literally hanging your boobs over Baby while they feed)
It is important you empty your breast of all milk to help clear the duct (through feeding or pumping), but it will be painful. However, dangling your boob over Baby rather than having them sit into you while they nurse will help with the pain.
3. Place a warm compress on your boob
A warm compress on your boobs can alleviate any pain – think warm face cloth or even a hot water bottle down your bra (if you can get it to fit, that is!).
4. Nurse, nurse, nurse
While it might be incredibly painful at times, it is important you empty your breast as often as possible to help reduce the inflammation and get rid of the infection. Don’t worry, the infection won’t hurt your baba.
5. Get as much rest as you can
Just like you’d do if you were coming down with the flu, it’s important you get as much rest as possible. Your body is fighting an infection and needs time to heal.
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