Got any good ideas for mastitus?
by 
munchkin_kids_downunder
ANSWERS: 8
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Boy will I get downrated for this... but sometimes, and for about 1/20 the cost, veterinary preparations and home remedies work on human conditions. Got a nice big hardware store nearby?
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All I know is what you probably already know-alternating warm and cold compresses, continuing to breast feed regularly and tylenol. Hope it gets better soon!
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I can only reiterate what I have learned while observing my wife breastfeeding our children. A few things to do as prevention are to make sure to breastfeed regularly. Becoming overly engorged can be painful in itself, and can help exacerbate potential mastitis infections. Secondly,keep the area around the nipple clean, but not too clean. Do not wash the area with soap other than when taking a shower. Breast milk contains antibodies that can help prevent the spread of the bacteria that cause mastitis. Using a lanolin-based cream might help with keeping the area less susceptible to infection. If the prevention doesn't work and you end up with mastitis, try warm moist compresses. Also, when the baby is nursing, put the "chin to the pain". This means that you should try to position the baby so its chin is pointing to the area of the breast that is painfull. I'm not sure the exact reasoning behind this, but believe it has to do with the suction helping open up those clogged tubes. (I read about that one in a breastfeeding manual that my wife received at the hospital.) Also, it is perfectly acceptable to take tylenol for the pain.
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Gerber sells a product for mastits that helped me so so much. Its a pack, like an ice pack.. but you put it in the microwave and heat it.. and place it on the breast... iteven has an opening in the middle so not to irritate the nipple. I used these and then nursed, took tylenol and also got an anitbiotic from my OBGYN doctor. The brest pack was wonderful in helping to make nursing easier during this painful experience.
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Cold cabbage leaves are meant to help with pain. Secure with your bra and replace as they become too warm. heard not to express milk as this encourages milk production and can increase the pain.
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There are 2 types of mastitis, one caused by infection the other inflamation. Does mom have fever, chills, flu-like symptoms? Are there red streaks on the breast? If so she should see doctor ASAP because it sounds like infection. Mom should also continue to nurse frequently on that breast. Warm compresses are more likely to be soothing and will help the milk to flow. Cold constricts flow and honestly, who wants cold on their breasts? Cabbage is often reccomended because it is the shape of the breast, but if there is any open wound on the breast, cabbage can invite infection. If there are no flu symptoms try taking ibuprofen per directions on bottle, 200mg, every 4 hours. If this helps it is probably inflamatory mastitis, milk escaping the milk duct from trauma (baby kicking mom while changing diaper) and the body reacts by fighting. Always check with your doctor and, again, continue to nurse frequently. I am currently nursing 2 of my 4 children, all of which were breastfed. I have had inflamatory mastitis 3 times with my youngest. I have never had it before. Hopes this helps.
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Bag Balm works wonders for pulling the heat and pain! Its for mastius in cows, but the concept is the same! :) You can usually find it at a pharmacy or a feed store. Just avoid the nipple area where the babies mouth touches and its perfectly safe.
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the cabbage leaf recommendation is reputed to be very good.
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