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Breastfeeding has health benefits for both babies and mothers. However, problems such as mastitis may arise that can keep women from achieving their breastfeeding goals. Are your breasts red, swollen and too tender to touch? Physiotherapist can help!

Mastitis

A painful, extremely common issue for mums in the postpartum period, Mastitis (or Lactational Mastitis) is a medical condition that can occur either as a result of a blocked milk duct or from engorgement (compression of the tissue leading to milk leaching out into the breast tissue) & results in inflammation of the breast, in some cases leading to infection. Often a result of tight clothing, changes to feeding style, missed feeds, pressure on the breasts or engorgement (i.e. when the breast tissue overfills with milk, blood and other fluids), Mastitis isn’t always preventable but can be treated if you catch the symptoms and warning signs early.

Recognising the Symptoms

When the milk gets so backed up in the ductal system, it over stretches the ducts allowing the milk to spread out into the breast tissue. This causes a massive inflammatory response resulting in:

• Shivers & aches, similar to early onset flu symptoms

• Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch

• Shiny or red streaks on skin of breast tissue

• Sense of unease and illness – Feeling ‘off’

• Thickening of breast tissue, or a breast lump

• Discomfort or nipple discharge

• Breast swelling

If mastitis isn’t treated quickly, a build-up can occur and a breast abscess can form so it’s important to act quickly.

Blocked Ducts or Mastitis?

If a firm and sore lump appears in your breast but you otherwise feel well, you probably have a blocked milk duct!

A blocked duct can happen when the milk is not flowing freely from the milk duct in your breast. When milk is not removed effectively from the breast either from feeding or expressing, milk stasis can occur. This leads to a build up of milk in a particular area forming a blockage in the milk duct.

However, pressure from external factors can cause a blocked duct too such as the underwire in a bra, tucking the bra down underneath the breast to feed or simply even the weight of the baby’s head against the breast can be enough to clog the system.

It’s important to note that the milk ducts are very delicate structures that lie close to the surface and due to that the breast needs to be handled with care. “Getting stuck in” with vigorous massage is NOT the answer to this problem ever!

Signs & Symptoms

  • a white spot or ‘bleb’ on the nipple
  • a lump on the breast that can be tender and red.
  • a low grade fever maybe present but no other systemic symptoms usually

It is important to monitor for the size of the lump, temperature rising or flu like symptoms setting in as this can indicate mastitis is developing.

Breast engorgement

Breast engorgement is when your breasts get too full of milk. This can leave them feeling hard and painful. It can also lead to breastfeeding problems if not treated.

Engorgement usually happens in the early days of feeding. This is because it can take a few days for your supply of breast milk to match what your baby needs.

It can also happen later on, for example, when you introduce solid food to your baby (weaning).

Symptoms can include:

  • hard, swollen, hot tender breasts that can make latching the baby on a bit tricky
  • sometimes a low grade fever can present

It is important to monitor this for an increase in temp or flu-like symptoms as this could mean mastitis is setting in.

Cracked nipples

Cracked nipples are most likely to occur in the first month postpartum. As a baby is learning to nurse, they may take additional time and effort to latch onto the breast. The friction can irritate and sensitize the nipple. The nipple can also become dry, leading to cracked skin and occasional bleeding.

During breastfeeding, causes of cracked nipples include:

  • problems with the baby’s latch
  • not finding the optimal position
  • not finding the ideal technique
  • using a breast pump, particularly if the pump flange is too small

Physiotherapy Treatment Options

MNÁ Physiotherapy offers a wide range of treatment adjuncts that can help to alleviate the discomfort of engorgement such as :

Therapeutic Ultrasound

This helps by sending vibrations into the breast tissue, which causes warmth and therefore helps to dissolve the blockage along with providing gentle massage to the area. This is a quick and pain free treatment that does not interfere with feeding and the effects are huge. Usually 1-3 treatment sessions are needed.

 Low-Level Laser Therapy

This is a quick, pain free treatment that doesn’t interfere with feeding routine. The laser has antimicrobial, analgesic and antinflammatory properties that help to reduce pain and speed up healing. Usually 2-3 treatments are required to get a resolution of the problem.

Kinesio taping to support the breast

This supports lymphatic system to increase circulation and decrease engorgement. It helps to maintain treatment outcomes at home

Home exercises

Specific exercises help gently stretch the pectoral muscles and aid lymphatic drainage may also be prescribed.

Education on posture, positioning & latch

Lymphatic Breast Massage

Very light strokes are done to decrease swelling, inflammation and oedema in the breast tissue, working with the lymphatic system to increase circulation and decrease engorgement, correct clogged ducts, and mastitis.

I also work closely with the IBCLC’s in the area to support mammies further in their breastfeeding journey!

To book an appointment click here https://mnaphysiotherapy.com/contact/

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