Mastitis Treatment
Many women may experience mastitis like symptoms or ‘clogged milk ducts’ during their breast feeding or pumping journey.
Mastitis is commonly assumed to be due to infection however this often has been found to be a myth. Certainly, anyone who has ever breast fed or pumped who has had that moment of feeling extremely unwell and a painful breast has been desperate to get better ASAP and found themselves at their local GP for antibiotics.
For sure in some cases such as breast abscess antibiotics are indicated however, not understanding the process behind mastitis combined with fear of it worsening can be why one unnecessarily may end up on antibiotics.
Mastitis in many cases is due to inflammation. Often it can be linked to feeding techniques, posture, hydration or even the breast lymph not draining well due to an ill-fitting bra! Many people will try massaging their breast in an effort to find relief and end up bruising it and possibly even worsening symptoms.
Look out for early signs:
- Breast Pain
- Redness and Swelling / discolouration
- Lumps or Hard Spots.
- Flu-Like Symptoms
- Fatigue
If you tick some of these boxes – its time to act and get in touch!
Importantly: keep feeding/pumping as per usual. Try warmth prior to this, and cool packs on the breast to soothe the inflammation afterwards.
I can assess your issues and get to the core of what is happening. There are gentle manual techniques that can be used as well as some simple home techniques, exercises and possibly postural changes that can be learnt to aid in a quick recovery and prevent further reoccurrence.
Other conditions that breastfeeding or pumping mums may experience and that can be helped via manual techniques and education are:
- Blocked milk ducts
- Acute and recurrent occurrence of mastitis
- Breast Engorgement
- An area that doesn’t seem to be draining well
Reach out for an early appointment – you may need a little help with reducing the inflammation in your breast
Learning some techniques can be so empowering in that breastfeeding or pumping period. Please reach out sooner rather than later!
Ultrasound therapy can also be used to maximise outcomes and will be available at Anna B Physio later on in 2025.