Dealing With Breastfeeding Mastitis & Abscess: 5 Tips How to Avoid

Dealing with Mastitis can be very painful & long to resolve

Mastitis is a breastfeeding mother's worst fear. Is there a way to avoid it?

It is whispered in fear among many breastfeeders, as they ardently pray not to fall prey to it...

"I have decided to extend the breastfeeding of my youngest son, he is 3 years old now. Because of it, I’m suffering from mastitis with breast abscess. The pain is unbearable. I'm literally wailing in agony every time he latches.  I keep thinking to myself "No more! No more breastfeeding!" but of course, I really can't just stop. Despite the excruciating pain, I have no choice but to continue latching to empty the affected breast. My 9 years of breastfeeding three kids are already  full of hurdles - low milk supply, opposition from family, self-doubt... Yet through all these, I persisted. I can't have it end in tears, clouding all the sweet memories of this journey with despise & forlorn because of mastitis."

Just so you know, breastfeeding mastitis can be avoided.

Mastitis is an infection of the breast that develops into flu-like symptoms or a feverish feeling. Dealing with breastfeeding mastitis can be extremely painful. Many mothers testify that the pain is akin or even more painful than labor pains. On some unlucky occasions, it comes with breast abscess where the infection results in pus building up inside the breast.

Some of its causes include untreated blocked milk ducts or long-standing milk bleb, stress, a spike in the consumption of fats and sweets, carrying of heavy bags that restrict milk flow and skipping feeds, or pumping sessions.

As for my close encounter, my mastitis was a culmination of a lot of things, mostly due to neglect.

Let me share some tips on how to avoid mastitis like the plague based on my own experience, advice from doctors and healthcare professionals, and information I acquired from reputable websites such as Kellymom and Dr. Sears.

Tip 1: Beware of clogged ducts and sore nipples

Mastitis doesn't just happen overnight. A poor latch, clogged or blocked duct, engorged breast, and a milk bleb are the few things to look out for and should be taken seriously to prevent it from progressing to Mastitis. Once you feel that your breast is swollen and has prickling pains or burning sensation, immediately check for hard lumps. Do breast massage or latch more often on that side of the breast.

A sore or cracked nipple can also be the culprit as it might allow the bacteria from the baby's mouth to enter into the milk duct, leading to infection of the breast tissue. In this case, always have a Lanolin cream handy. Religiously apply the cream to the sore area of your nipple and areola after each feed. This effectively moisturizes and soothes the area to reduce your risk. The brand Lansinoh is highly recommended among breastfeeding peers as it does not need to be wiped off.

Lansinoh Lanolin Cream for Sore or Cracked Nipples

Tip 2: Your diet matters.

Too much consumption of certain foods such as saturated fats and sweets may increase your chance of acquiring mastitis. I had it during the Christmas season when sweets abound and food was bountiful. My diet was aligned with the festivities, and I just relished too many unhealthy sweet cravings all at once.

Conversely, you may want to switch to a healthier diet should you find yourself already battling with painful mastitis. A dose of lecithin added to your daily diet has also been proven to decrease the likelihood of developing mastitis. At the onset of mastitis or recurrent plugged duct, it is recommended to take 1 tablet of 1,200 mg 3-4 times per day. 

Tip 3: Be consistent with your feeding & pumping schedule

As in my case, since we were traveling the whole day, I tried to delay breastfeeding in public for as long as I could, ignoring the warning signs of engorgement. I thought that the hard lumps would go away once I feed my baby as soon as we arrive at our destination. Boy, was that a huge mistake.

If you need to be away for some time without bringing your little one with you or if you can not direct latch, it is strongly recommended to pump or even hand express to empty your breast. Engorgement happens really fast and if not resolved the soonest it could lead to painful blocked ducts and lumps. There are many portable pumps offered in the market for on-the-go Moms, but before you dive into getting one, be sure to do a quick check of their customer feedback first. Well-reviewed brands with great community support include Medela, Avent, and Pumpables.

Tip 4: Physical and emotional stress

Have you been very busy lately? Lack of sleep and rest may send your hormones in a riot as well as affect your breastfeeding. According to Kellymom:

"Lowered resistance to infection or anemia can cause or contribute to recurrent plugged ducts."

It is best to let your body and mind rest, especially when you are breastfeeding. Remember your body is already doing an amazing work of producing milk for your little one. Give yourself a much-needed break every once in a while before mastitis calls upon you and force you to bed rest!

Tip 5: No to tight-fitting clothes, please

In a study conducted by Mayo Clinic, wearing clothes that are too tight-fitting restricts milk flow to your breast. Also, anything that puts pressure on the breast such as a seat belt, carrying a heavy bag for long periods, or even sleeping on your stomach may restrict milk flow which may then result in plugged ducts and mastitis as well.

A well-fed, breastfed baby smiling in his sleep

Breastfeeding is such a wonderful journey, albeit could be tough and challenging at times. Nevertheless, it is what nature designed mother's to do. We as mothers should then trust in the natural order of things, take good care of our overall health so we may be the best nurturer to our offspring. May these prevention tips steer mastitis away from bugging your precious time with your little one.

Remember, breastfeeding is 10% supply and 90% determination. So, don't let mastitis stop you from giving the best food for your little one!