All about Mastitis

September 29, 2008 By 1 Comment

Mastitis, as the “itis” part in it suggests is the inflamation around a clogged milk duct. It can remain simply as inflamation, or left untreated progress to infectious Mastitis. Symptoms include:

  • Pain, like a clogged milk duct
  • Reddness and tenderness around the site
  • Flu like symtoms
  • Chills, fever of 38.5 c or more
  • General malaise

To treat mastitis, it’s best caught early, at the very first onset of symtoms. The rule of thumb is to nurse frequently, and empty the breast, and rest. Heat may offer some relief, and help move on any clogging in the milk duct.

  • Gentle massage in the shower
  • Nurse frequently, lying down if it’s more comforable
  • Take time off from everything other than caring for you and baby. ASK for help!

DO NOT stop nursing, if anything nurse more frequently!

If your mik duct is clogged, you can try gentle massage to help move it on.

If symtoms persist more than 24-48 hours, and fever and malaise develop you can speak to your practitioner about antibiotics – However, most mastitis is non infectious – and antibiotics will be ineffective, unless infection occurs.

A great article on managing mastitis, along with natural treatment techniques is available here

Filed Under: Breastfeeding Challenges Tagged With: , ,

Flower Remedies for Breastfeeding

September 20, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Are you anxious, nervous, stressed? Overtired, overwhelmed? And in over your head.

Welcome to new motherhood. On some days, it can seem like everything is all too much, and the demands of a baby are the last thing you can cope with. If you’re breastfeeding, it can seem all that more inescapable. (Especially if you’re sleep deprived, and still recovering from a tough birth)

A safe way to assist yourself, calm down, and handle the anxiety, and stress of juggling your new family can be flower remedies.

Edmund Bach discovered 38 specific flower remedies for symptoms such as anxiety, and stress – which he believed were the precursors to disease.

Rescue Remedy, is a combination of 5 remedies, available in a cream, pastille, and alcohol free drops. And is a great, natural, and safe solution for when you’re feeling overwhelmed with motherhood and feeding.

  • Impatiens: For those who act and think quickly, and have no patience for what they see as the slowness of others. They often prefer to work alone. Teaches empathy and understanding of and patience with others. We’ve found it very fast-acting in alleviating an impatient attitude and lowering stress.
  • Star of Bethlehem: For trauma and shock, whether experienced recently or in the past. Teaches the ability to recover from traumas and to integrate them into the present life.
  • Cherry Plum: For those who fear losing control of their thoughts and actions and doing things they know are bad for them or which they consider wrong. Teaches trust in one’s spontaneous wisdom and the courage to follow one’s path.
  • Rock Rose: For situations in which one experiences panic or terror.
  • Clematis: For those who find their lives unhappy and withdraw into fantasy worlds. They are ungrounded and indifferent to the details of everyday life. Teaches one to establish a bridge between the physical world and the world of ideas; may foster great creativity. Is also used to bring clarity and alertness to the present moment.

    • There is no substitute, for good support and counselling, but rescue remedy might get you through some of the tougher moments.

    Filed Under: Resources Tagged With: , , , ,

    Nipple Care 101

    September 20, 2008 By 1 Comment

    Breastfeeding

    Looking after your breasts and nipples will help your breastfeeding experience get off on the right foot. Here are some quick tips, to assist you avoid breast and nipple pain:

    1. Practise good attachment – a poorly attached baby, means breastfeeding will hurt, and can result in irreparable damage to your nipples. If you need assistance, consultalt a Lactation consultant (sooner rather than later) if the problem lies with your baby, consider gentle corrective techniques, such as chiropractic
    2. Invest in a good fitting bra. Breastfeeding boobs, need support. Update your bra as your breasts grow or shrink.
    3. Allow your nipples to air dry after each feed. You can express a little milk onto them to assist healing any forming blisters or cracks. (Good attachment ought to help you avoid these to begin with)
    4. Hydrolised Lanolin (ie. Lansinoh) is a good cream for soothing, and helping nipples become supple. (it also makes a great nappy barrier cream, and lipbalm…)
    5. Sunshine helps any minor cracks heal.
    6. Keep a good watch for blocked ducts. If you notice any tenderness, or lumps, massage GENTLY under a hot shower, and if you can’t move the lump along – speak with a lactation consultant (sooner rather than later)
    7. Don’t wear a tight bra to bed. If you need the support, invest in a crop top, or special sleeping bra. (Tight bras, constrict milk ducts, and can cause blockages)

    Remember, if it doesn’t feel right – it probably isn’t. Seek support and help from a professional, and keep asking until you get an answer that helps you.

     

    Photo Credit: Raphael Goetter

    Filed Under: Breastfeeding Challenges, Establishing Breastfeeding Tagged With: , , , ,
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