Mastitis
Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that usually affects women who are breastfeeding, most often within the first six weeks after birth. Mastitis is caused by introduction of bacteria from the surface of your skin or baby’s mouth through a break in the skin of your nipple or your milk duct opening. Untreated mastitis can result in the formation of an abscess (collection of pus).
Professional healthcare should be sought out as soon as you recognize the signs and symptoms of mastitis.
Symptoms of Mastitis:
Usually cold and flu-like symptoms with precede local, breast symptoms by several hours. Symptoms of mastitis could affect one breat or both:
Naturopathic treatment for Mastitis
A typical Naturopathic approach to treating mastitis is usually to first resolve breast infection using antibacterial botanical (herbal) medicines, “move” stagnant breast milk using hydrotherapeutic applications, soothe and heal cracked nipples using botanical creams and salves, and identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g. using only one position to breastfeed, improperly fitted bra) or general health (e.g., cracked, dry nipples, previous history of mastitis, low immune system function) to prevent recurrence.
If you are experiencing symptoms of mastitis, contact Dr. Lesley to find out how Naturopathic Medicine can benefit you.
Reference:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Mastitis [Online]. [cited 2013 Sept 25];
Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mastitis/DS00678 .
Professional healthcare should be sought out as soon as you recognize the signs and symptoms of mastitis.
Symptoms of Mastitis:
Usually cold and flu-like symptoms with precede local, breast symptoms by several hours. Symptoms of mastitis could affect one breat or both:
- Pain (often of a burning quality), continuously or during breastfeeding
- Breast tenderness and/or swelling
- Warmth and reddness of breast tissue
- Fever
- General malaise
Naturopathic treatment for Mastitis
A typical Naturopathic approach to treating mastitis is usually to first resolve breast infection using antibacterial botanical (herbal) medicines, “move” stagnant breast milk using hydrotherapeutic applications, soothe and heal cracked nipples using botanical creams and salves, and identify and address underlying factors in your lifestyle (e.g. using only one position to breastfeed, improperly fitted bra) or general health (e.g., cracked, dry nipples, previous history of mastitis, low immune system function) to prevent recurrence.
If you are experiencing symptoms of mastitis, contact Dr. Lesley to find out how Naturopathic Medicine can benefit you.
Reference:
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Mastitis [Online]. [cited 2013 Sept 25];
Available from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mastitis/DS00678 .