Mastitis is a condition that many breastfeeding women experience, yet it remains a challenging and often painful condition. At Beyond, our team of professionals offers comprehensive mastitis treatment, including the use of therapeutic ultrasound, a highly effective management technique. With clinics in East Melbourne, Blackburn, Hawthorn, Windsor, and Ocean Grove, we are dedicated to providing relief and care for mothers experiencing mastitis. Our clinicians who work with clients with mastitis have had further training in this. Please ask for one of our clinicians who works with this condition when booking an appointment.

What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is a common inflammatory condition of the breast that impacts women most often in the early months of breastfeeding and commonly contributes to early cessation of breastfeeding.In more recent times, Mastitis is now believed to occur due to narrowing and congestion of the milk ducts, which is worsened by overstimulation of milk production, resulting in inflammation in the breast tissue. It is not the blockage of a single duct, as previously thought. Mastitis often occurs in the early days and weeks of breastfeeding, when supply is being established. It may also occur later as your baby starts to reduce feeds, until your supply responds to the reduced demand. Recurrent episodes of mastitis should be investigated further to ensure your baby is latching well and adequately transferring milk during feeds. Other contributing factors include microbial factors (breast and milk microbiome), the use of breast pumps and nipple shields, and the use of antibiotics.

This condition is characterised by symptoms such as:

Reddening of the breast
Tenderness or pain
Increased warmth
Swelling or hardened tissue
Flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, fever, and chills
Managing Mastitis
Rest and Sleep
Rest and sleep are crucial for recovery from mastitis. The exhaustion from childbirth and the interrupted sleep that comes with caring for a newborn make it imperative to slow down and listen to your body’s need for rest.

Cold and Heat Therapy
Cold packs can help reduce breast inflammation and alleviate pain. Alternating between cold and heat packs may also provide relief, depending on personal preference. It’s important to allow the breasts to return to normal temperature before reapplying heat or cold. Using cold packs for 20 minutes every two hours can help ease symptoms. Always ensure ice is wrapped in a damp cloth before application.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in draining excess fluids and proteins from the body’s tissues, returning them to the bloodstream. When inflammation and infection heighten lymphatic activity, a simple massage routine can assist in drainage and promote healing.

Here’s a recommended lymphatic drainage massage routine:

Preparation: Lie down comfortably on a couch or bed, or sit in a reclined position. Begin with five deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth, allowing your abdomen to move with each breath.
Activate Lymph Nodes: Raise your arm above your head. Using the flattened finger pads of the opposite hand, apply light to moderate circular pressure to the armpit, not the breast. Work in slow, small circles, changing the position every 15 seconds until you have covered the entire armpit over one minute.
Massage the Breast: Using your whole flat hand, lightly massage the whole breast with broad, slow strokes towards the armpit. Perform 10-12 strokes with gentle pressure.
Compression Exercise: Press your hands together in front of your chest for two counts, then release and rest for five counts.
Finish with Deep Breaths: Conclude with five deep breaths as you started.
Repeat this routine at least twice per-day during the acute phase of mastitis.

Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a highly effective treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling in breast tissue. At Beyond, we recommend a series of three consecutive daily sessions for optimal results. This non-invasive treatment can significantly improve symptoms and support recovery.

Additional Tips for Managing Mastitis
Can I continue to Breastfeed?
Continue to breastfeed on demand from both breasts equally. Avoid favoring the affected breast, as this can lead to increased milk production and inflammation. Proper latching and effective milk transfer by the baby are essential to prevent recurrent episodes.

Minimize Breast Pump Usage
Limit the use of breast pumps, as incorrect flange size, high suction, or prolonged pumping can cause trauma. Breastfeeding supports a healthy microbiome through the exchange of bacteria between the baby’s mouth and the breast. If pumping is necessary, do so at the same frequency and duration as breastfeeding.

Antibiotics
Reserve antibiotics for cases of bacterial mastitis. Overuse of antibiotics can disrupt the natural breast microbiome, which is essential for maintaining breast health.

Supportive Measures
Rest: As much as possible, rest to support your body’s healing process.
Supportive Bra: Wear an appropriately fitting, supportive bra when necessary.
Ice and NSAIDs: Use ice and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Probiotics and Lecithin: Consider probiotics and sunflower or soy lecithin (5-10g daily) to reduce duct inflammation and emulsify milk.
How we Can Help
At Beyond, our skilled practitioners provide a range of services to help manage and treat mastitis effectively:

Therapeutic Ultrasound: A non-invasive treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling, recommended for three consecutive days.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage: Expert guidance and application of techniques to enhance lymphatic drainage and reduce breast tissue inflammation.
Education and Support: Detailed education about the causes, contributing factors, and self-management strategies for mastitis.
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of mastitis, don’t hesitate to book an assessment and support session with our team. Our clinics in East Melbourne, Blackburn, Hawthorn, Windsor, and Ocean Grove are ready to provide the care and expertise you need to recover and continue your breastfeeding journey. When you book, please ask for a practitioner that has specialty skills in Mastitis. Bookings can be made here or please call the number above.