Understanding and How to Prevent Mastitis in Breastfeeding Mothers during the Postpartum Period

Damaged breast milk that is not treated quickly and appropriately will have more serious consequences, namely breast infection or what is called Mastitis.

Understanding Mastitis

Mastitis or breast infection is inflammation of the breast tissue. This condition is often experienced by breastfeeding mothers, especially in the first 12 weeks, thus disrupting the process of giving breast milk to babies. Therefore, treatment steps need to be taken so that the baby’s nutritional intake is not disturbed. Breast infections can also be experienced by women who are not breastfeeding, although this is rare. Generally, mastitis will only attack one breast, but it does not rule out the possibility of it occurring in both breasts. Mastitis causes sufferers to have difficulty breastfeeding, so that breastfeeding becomes hampered or stops. However, breastfeeding should still be carried out because this is not dangerous for the baby. The antibacterial content in breast milk protects babies from infection, and actually speeds up healing.

Signs of Mastitis

During breastfeeding, mastitis usually only occurs in one breast and appears suddenly. Here are some symptoms of mastitis to watch out for:

1. The breasts look reddish bruised.
2. Breasts often feel itchy.
3. Breasts feel sore when breastfeeding.
4. There is a painful lump in the breast.
5. The size of one breast is larger.
6. The nipples ooze pus.
7. Mother often feels tired.
8. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or neck.
9. Fever and chills.
10. Nauseous vomit.

Before experiencing the various symptoms above, mothers will also experience flu-like symptoms when suffering from mastitis.

Causes of Mastitis

Mastitis or infection of the breast can be caused by several things, including:

1. Bacterial infection. Staphylococcus and Streptococcus agalactiae bacteria. These bacteria come from the surface of the baby’s skin or mouth and enter the milk ducts, through gaps in the nipple or the opening of the milk ducts. Bacteria can also come from milk that is not released until it is finished.
2. Blocked milk ducts. Mastitis can also occur when the milk ducts in the breast become blocked due to accumulation or deposition of remaining breast milk. In breastfeeding mothers, breast infections are caused by a buildup of breast milk in the breast glands. This buildup causes blockage of the milk ducts, resulting in quite strong pressure and causing breast milk to seep into the tissue around the breast. The protein content in breast milk is considered by the body as a foreign object and the immune system will react to fight it. This condition will cause breast inflammation.

Apart from the two causes above, the following factors can trigger mastitis:

1. There is a wound on the nipple.
2. Mothers breastfeed babies with only one breast.
3. Mom wore a bra that was too tight.
4. Mother who is too tired and stressed.
5. Mother’s bad habit of smoking.
6. Mothers who lack nutrition or nutritional intake.
7. Messy or irregular breastfeeding frequency.
8. Have a history of mastitis in the past.
9. Mother uses breast implants.
10. A weak immune system due to suffering from certain diseases, one example is diabetes.

If it occurs in women who are not breastfeeding, breast infections can be caused by several things, such as:

1. Occurrence of Injury to the breast.
2. Have a low immune system, including women who have undergone tumor treatment with radiotherapy.
3. Have health problems, for example diabetes.
4. Breast piercings.

Mastitis Treatment

The main treatment for mastitis or breast infection is administration of antibiotics. Antibiotics are used for 10-14 days according to doctor’s instructions. Usually complaints will improve within 2-3 days from the start of treatment. However, antibiotics should still be taken until the treatment period ends so that the infection does not reappear.

Apart from treating infections, there are several actions you can take at home to relieve the symptoms you are experiencing, namely:

1. Apply a warm compress to the infected breast area to relieve pain. Do it for 15 minutes, 4 times a day. Apart from helping relieve pain, this method also makes the breasts softer, so that milk can flow more smoothly.
2. Take pain relievers, such as iburofen and paracetamol, as another step to relieve pain.
3. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water.
4. Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, including bras, until the symptoms of infection decrease.
5. Perform regular breastfeeding activities to relieve infection.
6. Make sure the baby’s mouth is properly attached to the breast.
7. Try to find a comfortable breastfeeding position.
8. Gently massage the breasts while breastfeeding to facilitate breast milk flow.

Always consulting a doctor when you have complaints while breastfeeding is the most appropriate step. To avoid things happening that could have fatal consequences.

Complications that can arise from Mastitis

There are several complications that may occur due to breast infections, namely:

1. Breast abscess. Namely the appearance of pus in the breast and pain. Minor surgery is needed to remove pus from the breast.
2. Fungal infection. The use of antibiotics to treat breast infections can cause excess growth of fungus in the body. This condition can cause red nipples and the breasts to feel painful and hot. White or reddish patches may also be found in the baby’s mouth. If these symptoms are found, the doctor will prescribe antifungal medication as a treatment step.

Prevention of Mastitis

There are several breast care measures that can be taken to prevent mastitis, namely:

1. Clean the breasts with a warm towel to increase milk flow before or after breastfeeding.
2. Use the right technique or position when breastfeeding.
3. Use alternate breasts when breastfeeding.
4. Empty the breasts completely while breastfeeding to prevent engorgement and blockage of the milk ducts. If the baby has stopped breastfeeding and the breasts are not completely empty, use a breast pump to pump breast milk and empty the breasts.
5. Avoid using soap when cleaning nipples.
6. Massage the breasts regularly to facilitate breast milk ducts (Lactation Massage).
7. Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
8. Avoid wearing bras that are too tight.
9. Avoid piercing your nipples because it can increase the risk of infection.

That is the explanation about Mastitis, hopefully it will be useful for many people and don’t forget to always check or consult with a doctor or midwife if there are complaints that make mothers uncomfortable during the breastfeeding process.