Mastitis - best treated with antibiotics.

A common concern for breastfeeding mums is mastitis. General practitioner Dr Daria Fielder advises, “Mastitis is best treated with antibiotics  - see relevant education modules below - as it can spread very quickly causing complications such as an abscess, which needs surgery. It’s essential that breastfeeding women present to their doctor as early as possible.”

However, pharmacy can play a role in ensuring that lactating women are aware of mastitis, the symptoms and how to prevent it.

According to the Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria, common causes of mastitis include:

• poor attachment to the breast;
• long breaks between breastfeeds;
• breasts that are too full;
• blocked milk ducts;
• stopping breastfeeding too quickly;
• an overly tight bra.

“The symptoms of mastitis include pain, redness and swelling in thebreast area, fever, muscle pains and aches,” says Dr Fielder.

“To help prevent mastitis, breastfeeding women should regularly feed their baby—every three hours and avoid long interval between feeding.

“The breast should be completely emptied before changing sides and if the ducts become blocked it can be gently massaged during feeding or in the shower.”

Placing a heat pack on the breast immediately before feeding can help with milk flow while a cool pack after feeding can ease discomfort.

“Being able to offer the services of a lactation specialist who can make sure the baby is attaching properly and feeding well is invaluable for mums and can help alleviate many of the common issues. Mums come here and they know they will get a solution to their problem,” says Properjohn.

“We also hire out hospital grade breast pumps and offer a free home delivery service, which can be particularly helpful for women who have had a caesarean birth and can’t drive for six weeks.”

Extract from 'AJP- Navigating the Stress of Motherhood'. Click here to view full article.