The Most Common Breastfeeding Issue in Women: Mastitis

Breastfeeding problems in women during feeding their babies

For those unaware of the issue, mastitis is just a case of breast inflammation or an infection that develops in the breast tissue of one or both mammary glands. The said condition is painful in nature and causes the breasts to become swollen, red, and inflamed. Mastitis has three types: Subareolar, intra mammary, and retro mammary.

Subareolar mastitis: It is an infection that occurs in the areola and is caused when the bacteria reach the Montgomery glands via cracks in the nipples. Subareolar mastitis has some common symptoms of red inflamed area, pain in the area, swelling, etc.

Intra mammary: Also known as breast abscess and ranging in two types the first is lactational breast abscess and the second is non-lactational breast abscess. It is generally an infection in the intramammary tissues of the breasts and is commonly seen in breastfeeding mothers. The common causes of intramammary are cracked nipples, clogged ducts, and improper latch with symptoms like fever, pain in the breast, tenderness, and redness.

Retro mammary: A painful collection of pus occurring just behind the mammary glands is what Dr Elsa, the Best Gynae Doctor in Dubai defines as retro mammary. It is caused by the infection of intercostal lymph nodes with symptoms related to tuberculosis.

Who is close to getting Mastitis?

Commonly occurring during the first 6 to 12 weeks of breastfeeding mastitis also happens in women who are not breastfeeding. One is more likely to get affected if you have:

1. Breast implants
2. Any autoimmune disease
3. Any skin condition
4. Nipple piercing
5. Any nicotine addiction

Common complications

If left untreated, mastitis can sometimes lead to different complications that are extremely painful and severe. The most common complications of mastitis are:

1. Recurrence: Due to late and improper treatment of mastitis the chances of recurrent are common.
2. Abscess: Formation of pus is another common complication happening in mastitis.
3. Septicemia: Commonly known as blood poisoning by bacteria septicemia is a life-threatening condition.

Is it safe to breastfeed when suffering from mastitis?

The answer to the above question is Yes, you can continue to nurse your baby while you have mastitis. The process of breastfeeding during mastitis prevents the progression of the problem.

It is considered a treatment option that helps you relieve and heal mastitis by properly emptying the breasts. As per the doctors, it is advised to breastfeed the baby for at least 15–20 minutes on each side.

What is the prevention method of mastitis?

To prevent the cause of mastitis a woman can watch out for the below-mentioned steps.

1. Air out the nipples after every nursing session.
2. Do not wear anything that keeps your breasts moist.
3. Apply heat before feeding and massage the ducts.
4. If you have full breasts, feed your infant frequently.
5. Find out if the infant is attached properly and is latching properly or not.

For a woman, it is advised to look out for the common symptoms related to mastitis. If there are any changes in the breast it is the reason to call or meet your healthcare providers or book an appointment at New Concept Clinic, a Gynaecology Hospital in Dubai. Even though mastitis is not cancerous but still it needs prevention as if left untreated can lead to severe breast problems.