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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