Breastfeeding is one of the most rewarding and difficult moments of motherhood. For women with mastitis, this moment can be one of frustration and discomfort. Most mothers battle with this condition more than once, leading them to question its prevalence and whether or not they can avoid it happening again. Continue reading to discover why there is recurring mastitis and understand the most effective prevention tips.
Is It Normal to Have Recurring Mastitis?
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue and can be classified into two types: lactational mastitis and non-lactational mastitis. And here we are talking about the former situation most of the time, which is often due to plugged milk ducts or bacterial infection during lactation. Having mastitis once in your lactation period is very common, but repeated occurrences can be overwhelming and frightening.
However, recurring mastitis is not uncommon, particularly in women with underlying health conditions such as:
- Repeated Clogged Milk Ducts: Even after successfully clearing one clog, some mothers tend to develop new clogs, leading to recurring inflammation.
- Milk Overproduction: Milk overproduction relative to what your baby is consuming can increase the risk of engorgement and resultant duct clogging.
- Inefficient Milk Removal or Poor Latch: If your infant is not latching well or failing to fully empty the breast, milk stasis may follow.
- Weak Immune System: Fatigue, stress, or concurrent infections might subject your body to recurring infections.
- Genetic Predisposition: Certain research now shows that there are women who have anatomical variations in the ducts of milk or genetic predispositions that make them susceptible to recurrent mastitis. These differences may be in the form of smaller ducts or immune variations in response to bacterial colonization.
Although recurrent mastitis might be frustrating, realizing that it happens to many women can make you normalize the process. Most significantly, with right strategies and techniques, you can break the cycle and enjoy a better breastfeeding experience.
What Are the Causes of Recurring Mastitis?
Understanding the underlying causes of mastitis is essential to effective management and prevention of recurrence. Each cause represents a potential target for intervention in breaking the cycle of inflammation.
- Incomplete Milk Drainage
If milk is not fully drained from the breast, it accumulates and can cause clogging. This typically happens as a result of poor latching, missed feedings, or inadequate pumping technique. Complete and frequent emptying is the solution to mastitis prevention.
- Engorgement
Overfull breasts can press milk ducts, which clog milk passage. This is usual when a baby sleeps for longer periods without feeding or frequency of feeding decreases. Gradual change in feeding time can minimize this danger.
Banged-up or cracked nipples create an opening for bacteria to penetrate breast tissue. The usual suspects are typically Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, and less commonly Escherichia coli. These are normally resident organisms of the baby's skin and oral cavity.
- Stress and Fatigue
The physical and emotional tension that is usual for new mothers can weaken immune function, leaving them at increased risk for recurrent infections. Rest and recuperation are a worthwhile preventive.
- Tight Clothing or Breast Pressure
Constrictive bras or sleeping on one's stomach that compresses breast tissue can worsen inflammation and cause plugged ducts. Even a slight change in bra style can be very beneficial.
- Underlying Medical Conditions
Background diabetic or autoimmune illness may predispose to recurrent infection, including mastitis. Optimal control of the underlying illness can reduce recurrence.
- Hormonal Changes
Acute hormonal change, especially with weaning or onset of menstruation, affects milk supply and secretion of milk, and predisposes to duct obstruction and mastitis.
- Biofilm Formation
Current studies indicate that some bacteria are able to create defensive biofilms in milk ducts, which are impenetrable to antibiotics as well as to the body's immune system. Such biofilms are possibly the reason why some women continue to suffer from mastitis even after treatment.
Once you know what is causing your recurring mastitis, you can plan a specific prevention approach.
How Do I Avoid Getting Mastitis Again?
Avoiding recurrent mastitis is a question of getting rid of underlying problems, maximizing breastfeeding proficiency, and utilizing support devices. The approaches are complementary to each other for overall prevention.
- Attain Proper Latching
An effective, deep latch is necessary for good breast emptying during a feed. Baby's mouth should take in most of the areola, lips flanged outwards, and you should see rhythmic jaw movements that continue to the ear. If you're experiencing difficulties with latch issues, a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine also has evidence-based guidelines for evaluation and enhancement of latch that can significantly reduce the risk of nipple trauma and the development of mastitis.
- Empty the Breasts Regularly
Frequent nursing and supplemental pumping as necessary avoid engorgement. Use "breast drainage mapping" as a technique for preventing repeated mastitis by regularly looking for areas of the breast that are firm after a feeding, then using gentle hand expression or pumping to target these specific areas.
- Use a Lactation Massager
A warming and vibrating lactation massager like Momcozy's is a huge help for mothers with plugged ducts or mastitis:
Unblocks Milk Ducts: Heat and vibration combined effectively break up blockages and allow easier milk flow.
Eases Pain and Discomfort: Gentle massage relieves soreness and inflammation of mastitis.
Improves Efficiency: As it softens the breast tissue and helps with milk let-down, it reduces time and effort needed for manual massage
From 141,99 zł PLNHeating and Vibration139,00 zł PLN
Keep breasts clean and dry and treat nipple cracks early to prevent bacterial invasion. Evidence now exists for bathing breasts in water only and allowing milk to dry on nipples after feeding, as breast milk also contains natural antimicrobial action against infection.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing
Wear supportive but not constrictive bras and forego underwires that may press on milk ducts. Sleep in comfortable, loose clothing that won't press on your breasts.
- Practice Self-Care
Rest, fluids, and nutritional diet aid immune function so that your body can fight infection. Even brief rests can significantly impact your body's ability to stave off possible infections.
- Consider Probiotic Support
Recent studies have also shown that taking certain strains of probiotics, Lactobacillus salivarius and Lactobacillus fermentum, can prevent repeat mastitis through repopulating beneficial bacteria in the milk ducts and breast tissue. They can be taken orally or applied directly onto the nipples after a feed.
- Take Lecithin Supplements
Sunflower lecithin supplements (1200-1600mg, 3-4 daily) can avoid repeated plugged ducts by thinning the milk with increased flow. This natural emulsifier has shown promise in reducing recurrence rates in women who experience frequent blockages.
Combining several of these techniques provides the best safeguard against recurrent mastitis.
FAQs About Repeated Mastitis
Here are some of the most popular questions that tend to address concerns most lactating mothers have while struggling with recurring mastitis:
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How Many Times Can a Woman Get Mastitis?
One can never say how many times one may get mastitis. With proper control of underlying causes, some women will have it once, but others will have it again and again if causative factors are not adjusted. Every bout is an opportunity to refine your prevention strategy.
Certain women are unfortunately more vulnerable based on anatomy or chronic bacterial colonization.
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Can Mastitis Result in Sepsis?
Yes, sepsis is a potential condition that can arise if mastitis is not treated. Signs of warning that mastitis is headed towards sepsis are redness spreading, a red or hot streak on the skin, severe pain, a fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C), confusion, rapid breathing, or severe fatigue.
These are an emergency medical condition that must be treated at once. Research indicates that while sepsis development is rare, delayed treatment of mastitis significantly increases chances of its occurrence.
Never put off medical care if symptoms fail to improve or become worse within 24-48 hours after receiving home treatment.
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How Do You Permanently Cure Mastitis?
While there is no definite permanent cure, you can effectively prevent recurrence by:
- Resolving underlying breastfeeding issues like poor latch or oversupply
- Using proper tools like massagers to assist in maintaining the flow of milk
- Maintaining a set routine of feeding or pumping
- Tackling infection early with the right antibiotics when it develops
For others, a blend of prevention is the best defense against future invasion.
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Can One Still Breastfeed with Mastitis?
Not just can you continue breastfeeding with mastitis, but it's extremely recommended by physicians. Ongoing nursing clears away blockages and speeds up the healing process. The milk remains safe for your infant, and regular emptying of the affected breast is imperative for resolution.
Although it hurts, mastitis-breastfeeding may be endured. Initiate feeds on the normal breast and relieve pain with your doctor's prescriptions of pain relievers while the essential healing is going on.
Conclusion
Recurring mastitis can be intimidating, but by using the proper strategies and tools, you can reclaim control and have a less stressful experience with breastfeeding. By correcting underlying causes, self-care, and employing useful solutions like Momcozy Massagers, you will be better equipped to prevent and treat this issue-prone condition.
Remember, breastfeeding is a personal experience and each mother needs to be supported and empowered along the way. Don't have mastitis detract from your experience—be proactive in taking care of yourself and making breastfeeding easier and more enjoyable.
If you get frequent episodes once you have taken measures to prevent it, visit a lactation medicine specialist. He or she may recommend more tests, such as ultrasound examinations or milk culture tests, in order to determine anatomical abnormalities or resistant types of bacteria for specific treatment.
The combination of as-needed medical care, habitual preventive measures, and accompaniments like lactation massagers is the best way to break the cycle of repeat mastitis and to resume your breastfeeding course.
