Mastitis is a common condition involving inflammation of the breast tissue, which can sometimes be accompanied by an infection. This inflammation typically causes pain, swelling, and redness in a localized area, often alongside flu-like symptoms. The most important principle for managing mastitis is effective milk removal to relieve pressure and reduce inflammation. Proper milk drainage is considered the first-line treatment and plays a significant role in recovery.
The Critical Role of Milk Drainage
Milk removal is essential when dealing with mastitis because it directly addresses the underlying cause of inflammation. Mastitis often begins with milk stasis, which is the pooling of milk not effectively drained from the breast. This pooling increases pressure within the milk ducts and breast tissue, leading to inflammation.
This inflammation, whether or not a bacterial infection is present, is what causes the characteristic symptoms of mastitis. Continuing to remove milk helps clear any potential blockage and reduces the built-up pressure. Abruptly stopping milk removal can worsen symptoms and significantly increase the risk of developing a serious complication, such as a breast abscess.
The goal is to prevent the inflammatory process from escalating, which is achieved by consistently emptying the breast. Regular drainage helps to normalize the internal environment of the breast, supporting the body’s natural healing process. Frequent milk removal is a primary tool for managing this condition alongside other supportive measures.
Pumping Guidelines for Immediate Relief
When managing mastitis, the frequency and duration of pumping should be guided by the need to effectively empty the breast without causing trauma. A widely recommended frequency is to pump or breastfeed every two to three hours, including during the night, translating to about eight to twelve sessions per day. This regular schedule helps prevent the return of milk stasis, which fuels the inflammation.
The duration of each pumping session should be about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the breast feels noticeably softer and well-drained. Avoid over-pumping beyond the point of comfortable drainage, as excessive stimulation can potentially increase milk production and worsen inflammation. Starting the pumping session on the affected breast is sometimes advised because the pump will be more efficient at drawing out milk at the beginning of the session.
Practical steps can be taken before and during pumping to improve milk flow and comfort. Applying a warm, moist compress to the affected area for a few minutes before pumping can help initiate the milk let-down reflex. Gentle massage of the breast, stroking toward the nipple during the session, can also assist in encouraging milk movement through the ducts.
It is safe to continue feeding the milk from the affected breast to the baby, as the infection is in the breast tissue, not in the milk itself. Using a comfortable, properly fitted flange and a gentle suction setting is important to prevent additional trauma to the sensitive breast tissue. If the pain is too significant to start on the affected side, beginning on the unaffected side can help trigger the let-down, making the affected side easier to drain afterward.
Holistic Treatment and Symptom Resolution
Pumping is only one part of the overall strategy for managing mastitis, and seeking medical advice immediately is recommended. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms persist beyond 24 to 48 hours, or if a fever develops, as antibiotics may be necessary. If prescribed, the full course of antibiotics, typically lasting 10 to 14 days, must be completed to prevent the infection from returning.
Pain management is an important aspect of recovery, accomplished with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications also help reduce inflammation and fever, improving overall comfort. Supportive care measures, including getting plenty of rest and maintaining good hydration, are important for the body to recover.
Identifying symptom resolution means looking for specific changes, such as the fever breaking, the redness beginning to fade, and any hard or tender lumps diminishing. Even after the fever subsides, continue frequent milk removal until the affected breast feels completely soft and comfortable. This ensures that the underlying inflammation has fully resolved and minimizes the risk of recurrence.
Once the acute symptoms have cleared and the breast feels healthy, you can gradually transition back to your normal feeding or pumping schedule. Abruptly stopping the increased pumping frequency can lead to milk stasis and a return of symptoms. Slowly reducing the number or duration of pumping sessions over a few days allows the body to adjust without triggering inflammation.