
Tips & Tricks to Relieve Mastitis Pain, Prevent Flare-Ups, and Differentiate Between Inflammatory vs Infectious Mastitis
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Mastitis doesn’t have to derail your breastfeeding journey. Below is a quick summary for busy mums, followed by a full guide on how to identify, soothe, and prevent mastitis—including when to seek medical care.
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Quick summary of the most important takeaways from the research. You’re busy, so here’s what you need to know in just a few seconds.
1. Understanding Mastitis: What It Is & Types
Mastitis is breast tissue inflammation, common in breastfeeding, marked by redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes flu-like symptoms.
Inflammatory: Caused by milk stasis—when milk isn’t removed efficiently. Symptoms: redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness.
Infectious: Typically follows untreated inflammation. Caused by bacteria entering via nipple cracks; often involves fever, chills, body aches, possibly red streaks.
2. Quick Relief for Inflammatory Mastitis
- Feed or express regularly. Prioritize the affected side first.
- Use gentle breast movement before feeding to encourage drainage.
- Apply cold compresses or cabbage leaves to reduce swelling. (avoid the nipple with the cabbage leaf)
- NSAIDs (Ibuprofen): Reduces inflammation and pain; helpful for both discomfort and duct inflammation (Non steroidal anti inflammatory)
- Gentle Lymphatic Massage & Hand Expression: Light “petting” strokes toward your collarbone/armpit help move fluid. Use gentle expression only—no deep massage
3. Natural Supporting Strategies
- Lactation massage to calm clogged ducts.
- Hydration, rest, and a balanced diet to support immune recovery.
- Ginger root tea or tumeric in milk & lecithin supplements to reduce inflammation and clogs. If you are game you can also try eating 2 raw garlic cloves.
- AVOID: Aggressive massage, warm compresses, “soaking” the breast, and unnecessary pumping as may increase supply .
4. When It’s Infectious: Red Flags
- Fever or chills unresponsive to rest/medication
- Red streaking or spreading heat on the breast
- Severe pain, nausea, flu-like symptoms
WHAT TO DO: See your GP or Midwife IMMEDIATELY. Antibiotics may be prescribed. Persistent symptoms may require imaging or drainage.
5. Preventing Flare-Ups
- Feed efficiently and frequently—avoid engorgement.
- Alternate breasts, avoid tight bras or pressure points.
- Treat nipple damage quickly and gently.
- Prioritize rest and stress reduction.
NIPPLE DAMAGE GUIDE: Express milk onto nipple and let dry 5–10 min, then apply lanolin, clean nipple of any cream prior to breastfeeding again.
6. When Support Makes a Difference
If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, seek help from a lactation consultant (IBCLC), your GP, or call the ABA helpline (Australia: 1800 686 268).
Final Thoughts
Understanding mastitis empowers you to act quickly and compassionately. You're not alone—and you deserve support just as much as your baby does.
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Citation & Sources
All information in this article is based on trusted, evidence-informed resources focused on maternal health, lactation, and mastitis care. Here are the sources referenced in writing this post:
- Hormone Health Studio. (2023). Managing Mastitis: Natural Tips for Relief and Recovery. https://hormonehealthstudio.com/managing-mastitis/
- Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). (2023). Mastitis – Information for Breastfeeding Mothers. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/mastitis
- NatureMed Clinic. (2023). Natural Remedies for Mastitis. https://naturemed.org/natural-remedies-for-mastitis/
- Wambach, K., & Spencer, B. (2021). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Mastitis: Causes and Management.
- Lawrence, R. A., & Lawrence, R. M. (2015). Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession (8th ed.). Elsevier.
- https://hcp.kendamil.com/blogs/news/new-mastitis-treatment-guidelines-to-support-breastfeeding-mothers