MASTITIS SUPPORT
Not sure if you have Mastitis?
We’re here to help!
Signs you might have Mastitis include:
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Swollen breasts, often tender to the touch
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Redness, blushing, or shiny red streaks throughout the breast tissue
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Breasts that are warm to the touch
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Whole body symptoms of shivers and body aches, often mistaken for signs of the flu
Mastitis is a condition of the lactating breast, and known for going from zero to one-hundred in a matter of hours. Recognising the symptoms early is key!
Mastitis is progressive in nature. Starting as congestion and swelling in the breast tissue, and progressing to inflammatory, or bacterial Mastitis and beyond quickly.
It’s quick progressing nature is why we treat Mastitis with a sense of urgency. Please contact the clinic on 0480 672 880 to arrange a same-day appointment.
If our clinic is closed, call our after-hours Mastitis service on
0480 632 686 and our team will be in contact with you shortly to make a plan.
While you wait to chat with one of our Physio’s here are some things you can do at home:
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Focus on Physiological Breastfeeding - essentially, don’t change a thing. It was previously believed that “emptying” the breast would “unplug” the blockage, but we now know that’s simply not the case.
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It’s encouraged you feed or express as you would normally based on bub’s needs, as increased stimulation of the tissues in an attempt to empty the breast may contribute to exacerbation of the swelling present.
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Reduce Inflammation - Think a little like you’re just rolled your ankle, here’s what you should do reduce the swelling, and provide symptomatic relief:
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Apply Ice: Ice can be applied to the affected breast as desired for pain-relief, we encourage a minimum of 10 minutes application following each feed.
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Perform Lymphatic Massage: Using a cupping and sweeping method over the breast tissue in the direction of your arm pit, you can perform a lymphatic drainage massage to clear the swelling sitting stagnant in the breast tissue. This massage can be particularly effective when performed prior to breastfeeding or expressing, as it reduces the likelihood of swelling sitting within the breast from compressing the milk ducts and diminishing the milk flow.
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Chat with your GP or chemist to consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
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Utilise Therapeutic Ultrasound (ThUS): The holy grail of Mastitis care. ThUS is a thermal based treatment used to reduce the swelling in the breast tissue. Visit us in clinic to have one of our trained physio’s treat you.
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Support the girls with appropriately fitting, gently compressive bra.
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We’re here to help! If you’re concerned, reach out, and let us guide the way. Same-day appointments are available during business hours, and through after hours mastitis service.
Contact us:
In Business Hours call 0480 672 880
After Hours call 0480 632 686
If you require urgent care go to your nearest urgent care, or Emergency Department.
The information on this page is not a substitute for individualised advice from your healthcare provider.
The information on this page is formulated from the advice provided by the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022.