29. Mestitis

Question 1

Why?

Answer 1

Mastitis most often happens first 4 weeks of breastfeeding due to cracked nipples, positioning problems

Question 2

What are the types of mastitis?

Answer 2

2 types: non-infectious and infectious mastitis.

Question 3

What are the those two type of mestitis?

Answer 3

Non-infectious mastitis:
This type of mastitis is usually caused by breast milk staying within the breast tissue. This happens because of a blocked milk duct or a breastfeeding problem. If left untreated, the milk left in the breast tissue can become infected, leading to infectious mastitis.

Infectious mastitis
This type of mastitis is caused by bacterial infection. It is important to receive treatment immediately to prevent complications, such as an abscess in the breast.
You can get infectious mastitis even when not breastfeeding.

Question 4

Why mastitis happen?

Answer 4

Because of Milk stasis
When milk isn’t completely emptied from a breast at feedings, the milk left in the breast tissue can back up and become infected. This is known as milk stasis.

Question 5

Why mastitis happen?

Answer 5

Because of Milk stasis
When milk isn’t completely emptied from a breast at feedings, the milk left in the breast tissue can back up and become infected. This is known as milk stasis.

Question 6

Reason of Milk stasis?

Answer 6

Poor latch on and/or effective sucking by your baby
Inefficient positioning between mother and baby during breastfeeding
scheduled or restricted feeds, long gaps without feeding, missed or short feeds
blocked milk duct
pressure on breast caused by a tight bra, gym/swimwear, breast shells, car seatbelt, bag strap across your breasts, your sleeping stress and fatigue that leads to less time for breastfeeding
separation from baby

Question 7

Symptoms of Mestitis?

Answer 7

sore breast
lumpy area that is usually red and tender
fever (a temperature)
chills
feeling unwell with ‘flu-like’ symptoms, such as tired, aching, run-down).

Question 8

Treatment?

Answer 8

Empty breast by breastfeeding affected side. If not possible, hand express
Try gentle massage under heat to liquefy the fat within the milk and help move it through. This is best done in a shower.
Use cold compresses after feeds.
Get rest.
Taking ibuprofen to help with swelling and pain.
See your doctor or midwife straight away if you have a fever, as you may need antibiotics to treat the infection.
Flucloxacillin 500mg 4 times per day (at least an hour before food), is the most commonly used antibiotic.
If you are allergic to penicillin, you must tell your doctor/midwife as a different antibiotic will be needed.