Breastfeeding is a special experience for every mother.
It is full of many, pleasant moments, but it also involves many difficulties, which with enough patience, persistence and appropriate support can be dealt with. One of the biggest fears of a nursing mother during labor is mastitis.
What is mastitis?
Mastitis is the infection of the breast and often manifests itself in the first six weeks after giving birth, but it can occur throughout the period of delivery. It is defined as fever (38.5°C) with chills or flu-like symptoms, along with a pink, tender, warm and swollen part of the breast. Mastitis is the most common reason for premature weaning, while it is estimated that it will occur in 3-20% of women in caesarean section.
The pathogenic microbes that cause mastitis are colibacter (e. coli), rarely streptococcus and most commonly staphylococcus aureus (S.Aureus).
What are the causes of appearance?
The most important causes of mastitis seem to be:
• irritated nipples and the appearance of stretch marks on them
• the incorrect attachment of the infant to the breast
• skipping breastfeeding meals
• the inefficient emptying of the breast during breastfeeding
• the milk bubble
• the clogged duct
• the stress
• the exhaustion
• the mother’s poor diet
Mastitis treatment guidelines
When mastitis is diagnosed, breastfeeding is not interrupted. In studies with episodes of acute mastitis, none of the newborns stopped breastfeeding or became ill from it.
The most important step in its treatment is the frequent removal of milk. Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed starting from the affected breast. It helps to keep the infant’s chin facing the affected area. It may also help to gently massage with the fingers moving from the irritated area to the nipple during breastfeeding. In addition, cold packs after breastfeeding reduce pain and local swelling in combination with rest, adequate hydration and a balanced diet of the mother. When there are injuries or stretch marks on the nipples, they should heal. If breast pain makes it difficult for the mother to breastfeed, it is recommended to pump the milk from the breast with a pump. Laboratory investigations and other diagnostic methods are not needed or done routinely for mastitis.
The publication of the World Health Organization for this inflammation, suggests culture of breast milk and sensitivity test. Women with mastitis should be encouraged to take the appropriate prescribed treatment, such as ibuprofen which may be more effective in reducing symptoms than simple pain relievers (paracetamol). If the symptoms of mastitis do not improve in 12-24 hours, or if the nursing mother has severe symptoms, antibiotic treatment should be started immediately. The antibiotics used are the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, as well as the first generation cephalosporins. If the breast area continues and remains hard, red and sensitive despite appropriate treatment, then an abscess should be suspected.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of mastitis prevent premature weaning and the occurrence of abscess.
Prevention of mastitis is based on proper breastfeeding management:
• Correct positioning and attachment of the infant
• Frequent feeding
• Learning to breastfeed by hand or with a breast pump
• Immediate labeling by the mother for the appearance of symptoms
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of mastitis prevent premature weaning and the occurrence of abscess. Mastitis rightly causes intense concern for new mothers, but it is a condition that can be treated with proper counseling from qualified health professionals.
In the Obstetrics Clinic of MOTHER, the problems that may arise during breastfeeding are dealt with promptly and effectively thanks to the staff trained in Maternal Breastfeeding. For this purpose, the Outpatient Breastfeeding Clinic operates daily where the midwives of the Breastfeeding Team accept emergency as well as scheduled appointments for help with breastfeeding. Finally, the telephone line for help with breastfeeding operates free of charge, on a 24-hour basis, by calling 210 686 9000.
They write:
Capetzoni Eftychia, Midwife
Pezou Eleni, Midwife
MOTHER Breastfeeding Group
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