Effective Home Remedies for Mastitis

Breastfeeding brings many difficulties with it. From painful nipples to feeding at night (and lots of snuggles with the baby!). Mastitis may be the cause of breast pain, flu-like symptoms, and blocked milk ducts. This is what mastitis is and the home remedies which effectively treated my breast infection.

Years ago, following an 18-hour car journey with five children (yes, I may be insane), I developed a severe case of mastitis. The infant was quite content in the vehicle and whenever the children are cheerful, I take the wheel.

On the initial night, I believed the fatigue was due to altitude sickness and the stiffness was from not breastfeeding throughout the day, therefore I went to bed early. The following day, I sensed that something was amiss. During that afternoon, a noticeable lump started to develop in my breast, which is a typical indication of a blocked milk duct. Afterwards, I developed a 104 fever (indicating my immune system was battling an infection). I truly comprehend (and share the feelings) of how dreadful these infections can be!

What is Mastitis?

Over the years our understanding of what mastitis exactly is has changed. Breastfeeding moms can get plugged milk ducts which can then lead to inflammation and infection (mastitis). If you notice pain, swelling, and a lump in your breast tissue (often near the areola) then it’s likely a blocked milk duct. If you start to develop signs of an infection, then it’s likely lactation mastitis.

The risk factors and causes of mastitis include:

• Weaning too quickly and the affected breast becomes engorged
• Baby doesn’t have a good last and isn’t draining the breast well
• Pressure on the breasts (from a tight bra, seatbelt, etc.)
• Oversupply which leads to breast engorgement (can also be caused by pumping too frequently)
• Infection from breast damage, like cracked nipples

Symptoms of Mastitis

Here’s what to look out for if you think you have mastitis.

• Pain, swelling, redness, and/or inflammation of the breast
• Flu-like symptoms (including fever and body aches)
• A hard lump
• Nipple discharge
• A collection of pus (breast abscess)
• Decreased milk production in the affected breast

I was far from home, 1,300 miles away from my doctor and midwife, when I experienced mastitis, and didn’t have many of the usual remedies available to me at home. I preferred to steer clear of antibiotics if I could, but severe cases of mastitis may require antibiotics (which are preferable to developing an abscess).

I did my usual routine: extensive research and experimenting with natural remedies while breastfeeding. After four days, the lump disappeared and all my symptoms were gone. Taking proactive measures is more effective than dealing with the consequences later, and I likely could have prevented it by regularly nursing the baby.

Having had mastitis, I was able to experiment with various remedies. These are the methods that helped me naturally treat mastitis.

Natural Mastitis Treatment

In earlier times, it was suggested to use heat and increase pumping/feeding. Massaging and maintaining regular feeding can assist in releasing a clogged duct. Having an infection like mastitis can lead to the body producing an excess of milk if breastfeeding or pumping more frequently than usual.

Because mastitis involves inflammation, typical recommendations include using over-the-counter drugs to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. Common examples include Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil, and Ibuprofen. I discovered that using cold and other natural remedies was just as effective, if not more so.

1. Rest and Frequent Nursing

Lactation experts suggest that mastitis may indicate the need to take a break when you are exerting yourself too much. Another cause is waiting too much time before breastfeeding. When I noticed I had mastitis, I immediately went to bed and breastfed the baby continuously. This aids in the movement of milk through the blocked duct.

Experiment with various breastfeeding positions to ensure that the baby is able to efficiently extract an adequate amount of breastmilk. Additionally, ensure that the baby’s mouth is properly latched on to the breast to prevent inadequate drainage. Below are indications that a baby might have a lip or tongue tie affecting their functionality.

Signs of Tongue and Lip Tie

• Mom has nipple pain during nursing
• Nipples looked creased, blanches, cracked, blistered, or bleed
• Plugged ducts, infected nipples, or mastitis
• Thrush on nipples
• Engorged breasts (baby can’t get enough milk out)

You may notice that your baby has some of the following symptoms:

• Shallow latch
• Pops on and off breast often
• Gums/chews nipple
• Clicking noise when nursing
• Swallows lots of air, gassy, colicky, and/or reflux
• Nurses for long periods or has a short time in between feeds

I interviewed Dr. Erin Appleton for my podcast and she shared valuable insights on breastfeeding and oral ties that you can tune in and hear.

2. Applying Cold or Heat

I discovered that cold was the most effective for relieving the pain, although I occasionally utilized heat. I used heat for 15-30 minutes prior to breastfeeding to assist in clearing the duct blockage and facilitate easier nursing. After breastfeeding, I would then use ice for 15-30 minutes to reduce swelling.

Consider using an ice pack or a cold compress to provide cooling and reduce inflammation.

3. Massage

At that moment, the sources I consulted recommended using massage as a way to eliminate the obstruction. I discovered relief by gently massaging the area in circular motions while the baby was nursing. The sources are now somewhat varied on this topic. As stated by breast health specialist Dr. Mitchell:

Recognizing that this is not a "plug" in one of the many ducts in the breast is crucial. It only indicates temporary swelling of milk-producing cells and congestion of fluid and blood vessels.

If a mother encounters a "plug", she must refrain from too much massaging as it can harm breast tissue, result in broken capillaries, exacerbate swelling, and possibly lead to "phlegmon" or abscess.

The Cleveland Clinic states that a gentle lymphatic massage can be beneficial. They also advise not to exert excessive pressure on the breast. For a lymphatic breast massage, softly stroke from the areola towards the lymph nodes located above the collarbone and in the armpit. This aids in the movement of trapped fluid to decrease swelling.

This glycerite from Wish Garden, called Happy Ducts, aids in improving lymphatic circulation for quicker resolution of mastitis.

Softly massaging the baby while they are breastfeeding can assist in the release and movement of breast milk. Nonetheless, using massage in certain situations can cause more harm than benefit. If you are uncertain, it is advisable to seek advice from an IBCLC lactation consultant.

4. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated by drinking water is crucial in the battle against mastitis. I always had a quart of water nearby and drank regularly to maintain my milk production and boost my body’s ability to combat the infection. Including minerals is also beneficial as our body is not only made up of 80% water, but specifically 80% salt water!

I am a big fan of this mineral drink recipe.

5. Raw Garlic

While garlic may not be ideal for a baby’s digestion, its antibacterial qualities are highly effective in treating infections. I was able to purchase organic garlic from the store, therefore I consumed a couple of cloves each day. I have always followed this routine when dealing with a severe infection or sickness, and I usually recover within a day or two. I’ve discovered that the simplest method is to chop the garlic very finely and then use a spoon to collect small portions. I will place it in my mouth and promptly follow with some water.

If you’re not as daring as me, mixing the garlic with raw honey can make it more manageable!

6. Cabbage Leaves

I recalled the advice given by the lactation consultant at the hospital after giving birth to one of my children. I’m not sure if it had an impact on the infection, but it felt wonderful on the infected duct and definitely didn’t cause any harm.

A meta-analysis in 2012 examined multiple studies of breastfeeding mothers who utilized cabbage leaves for alleviation. The scientists discovered that cabbage leaves decreased both pain and breast engorgement. Additionally, it supported women in breastfeeding for an extended period of time by making them feel more at ease while nursing.

In order to utilize this treatment, place a chilled cabbage leaf directly on the breast where the infection is located. Adjust as necessary on an hourly basis. Be cautious when using cabbage leaves as a remedy, as some women may experience a reduction in milk supply.