Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland (breast). This condition is mainly confined to breastfeeding mothers. Mastitis is usually an acute condition or, in rare cases, it may be persistent (chronic). Problems with recurrent mastitis are usually the result of irregular breastfeeding patterns: missing feeds, giving bottles in place of breastfeeds, or skipping expressing sessions when separated from the baby. Recurrent mastitis may also mean that mother's immune system is generally run down, often because of fatigue and stress. Breast inflammation that is not related to breast-feeding sometimes occurs as a result of infection elsewhere in the body, spreading by way of the blood. Acute mastitis can also occur, although not often, as part of a mumps infection, from the spread of mumps virus to the breast. The common form of acute mastitis occurs during breast-feeding and is caused by infection that enters through a crack or an abrasion (break in the skin) in a nipple. The germ most commonly involved is Staphylococcus aureus, the same germ that causes boils and impetigo.

Mastitis is characterised by the symptoms of pain, swelling (the breast often appearing lumpy, hard, with ropiness, or a dimpling look) redness, and tenderness. It may also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills and aching joints. In the course of an acute mastitis infection, some of the lymph nodes in the armpit may become enlarged and tender, a tell tale sign of infection. It can occur in a single breast, simultaneously in both or can alternate sides.

Homeopathic treatment is excellent for the treatment of mastitis and other afflictions of breast-feeding such as blocked ducts, abscesses, low or overabundant milk supply and cracked nipples. Some common homeopathic remedies for mastitis include:

Phytolacca is best used in the early stages, and can be taken from the first sign of a mastitis attack. Symptoms include sore breasts and/or cracked nipples where the shooting pain extends outward from the nipple to other parts of the body. The breasts are characteristically hard, nodular and lumpy.

Belladonna symptoms are characterised by engorged, red, hot, inflamed breasts accompanied by red streaks. The pain is throbbing and milk supply is commonly overabundant. The right breast is mostly affected.

Improving the immune and nervous system(s) is an effective way of treating Mastitis and feeding problems. This can be achieved with the use of herbal medicine and various supportive vitamins and minerals. Support from your local lactation nurse is invaluable. Call the Australian Breast feeding Association for support and guidance.