Mastitis

 What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast.

The symptoms of mastitis can include:

➡️ Hard, palpable, thickening of the breast tissue

➡️ Hot, swollen and/or tender areas of the breast

➡️ Reddening of the breast tissue

➡️ Flu-like symptoms including fever, achiness, and fatigue

➡️ Symptoms generally occur and progress quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours

Up to 20% of women will develop mastitis postpartum.

✅ What can Physiotherapy do to treat mastitis?

➡️ Look at the babies latch and suckle technique

➡️ Educate the mother on a good feeding routine

➡️ Massage the breast to encourage milk flow and break down of any blockages

➡️ Education on self-massage techniques to encourage milk drainage

✅ Other things you can do to help your mastitis?

➡️ Stay hydrated

➡️ Continue to drain the affected breast with hand expressing, pumping or breastfeeding your baby on that side

➡️ Position your baby so their chin points towards the blocked/ painful area

➡️ Heat packs over the affected area or hot showers before feeding your baby

➡️ Speak to your GP, antibiotics may be required if an infection has occurred.

☎️ If you’re experiencing painful mastitis, call us on 9740 5454.

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