Prevention

Minimize your chances of getting mastitis by: Fully emptying the milk from your breasts while breast-feeding or pumping Completely empty one breast before switching to the other breast during feeding Alternate the breast you offer first at each feeding Change the position you use to breastfeed from one feeding to the next Make sure your baby latches on properly during feedings Do not let infants use your breast as a pacifier Contact a lactation consultant for any issues or advice concerning

Resources
Breastfeeding doll [photograph] (2012). Retrieved October 2, 2013, from: http://xlcountry.com/breast-feeding-doll/ Breastfeeding problems [photograph] (2012). Retrieved October 2, 2013, from: http://www.babycures.com/breastfeedingproblems-remedies/ Lowdermilk, D. (2010). Maternity nursing. MO: Elsevier Mastitis [photograph] (2013). Retrieved October 2, 2013, from: http://women.webmd.com/mastitisinflammation-of-the-breast Mastitis [photograph] (2008). Retrieved October 2, 2013, from: http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/g etcontent.aspx?cid=11684 Mayoclinic (2013). Mastitis. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mastitis/DS 00678/DSECTION=prevention The breast swelling can be caused by mastitis [photograph]. Retrieved October 2, 2013, from: http://www.healthspablog.org/disease/thebreast-swelling-can-be-caused-by-mastitis

Mastitis
By: Shy Wegiel- KCCSN

breastfeeding

Figure 1: Mastitis

Figure: 5 Breastfeeding

What is Mastitis?
Mastitis means inflammation of the breast, often associated with an infection. Mastitis often occurs in the upper outer side of the breast. One or both breasts may be affected. Most cases occur during the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding, but can occur at any time. The condition can cause feelings of exhaustion, making child care difficult. Mother sometimes wean their babies early, but breastfeeding can continue despite the presence of mastitis. Fig 3: Symptoms of mastitis Call the heath care provider immediately if symptoms occur.

of antibiotics to minimize the chance of reoccurrence Analgesics and antipyretic medications, such as ibuprofen Maintain your breast-feeding routine Get as much rest as possible Avoid prolonged overfilling of your breast with milk (engorgement) before breast-feeding Use varied positions to breast-feed Feed the baby or pump frequently Empty the affected breast adequately Warm compresses to the breast or take a warm shower before feeding or pumping milk Adequate fluid intake and a balanced diet Wear a supportive bra If breast-feeding on the infected breast is too painful or infant refuses to nurse on that breast, pump or hand-express the milk

What are the risk factors?

Fig 2: Swelling caused by mastitis Inadequate emptying of breasts may be related to engorgement, using only one position to breast-feed, plugged ducts, a sudden decrease in the number of feedings, abrupt weaning, Wearing a tightfitting bra, which may restrict milk flow Sore, cracked nipples (bacteria) Stress, fatigue, maternal illness, ill family members, breast trauma, and poor nutrition Insulin dependent diabetes increased risk for mastitis Becoming overly tired (fatigued) History of mastitis

What are the complications?

Breast abscess Chronic mastitis Fungal infection

What are the causes?

A blocked milk duct. Incomplete emptying of the breasts can cause milk ducts to become clogged. This leads to milk backing up and infection. Bacteria. A break or crack of the nipple or milk duct can provide an entry way for causative agents (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and E. coli). Bacteria multiply and lead to infection.

What are the symptoms?

Sudden onset of flu-like symptoms, including: fever, chills, body ache, and headache Localized breast pain and tenderness and a hot, reddened area on the breast (can resemble the shape of a pie wedge

What is the treatment?

Antibiotics, such as cephalexin or dicloxacillin for 10-14 day. It is important to take entire course Fig 4: Development of an abscess