Mastitis
Mastitis is an uncomfortable inflammation of breast tissue that is frequently associated with an infection. Typically, Mastitis is caused by trapped milk within the milk ducts resulting in inflammation. If the breast is not completely emptied during feeding, a blockage can occur which can lead to the development of a breast tissue infection. Additionally, bacteria from the skin’s surface or your baby’s mouth can enter the breast through a milk duct opening or a crack in the skin. Sometimes this can lead to an infection that can cause:
- Breast swelling
- Breast pain
- Warmth, and redness present in the affected breast(s)
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills
Mastitis is most commonly found in women who are currently breastfeeding, and doesn’t just occur to first time mothers. There are also cases in which women who are not breastfeeding and men may develop Mastitis. This can be caused due to smoking, as breast tissue can become damaged from the toxins found in tobacco.
Factors that increase your risk of developing mastitis are as follows but not limited to:
- Improper baby latch or positioning
- Fatigue
- Breast engorgement (swelling, tightness, increase size of breast)
- Sore or damaged nipples
- Bruising
- Pressure from tight clothing or undergarments
- Milk overproduction
Here at Oasis Specialized Therapy Care, our certified lymphedema therapists are trained to alleviate your mastitis symptoms so that you can get back to indulging in the pleasures of breastfeeding. Additionally, we will educate you on manual techniques and proper baby positioning that you can practice at home so that you can prevent reoccurrence of symptoms.
