Many women, becoming mothers and breastfeeding their babies, face such unpleasantness as stagnation of milk. If you do not take the necessary measures in time, it threatens to develop into a serious disease - mastitis.
Causes and Symptoms
When can a woman feel this or that symptom of mastitis? First, if a child refuses a breast or does not eat well, does not suck out all the milk. In this case, it must necessarily be decanted, no matter how long it takes. Secondly, if the milk is too fatty, the ducts may become blocked, which makes it difficult to get out. Thirdly, there is a symptom of mastitis with the appearance of cracks in the nipples and penetration into the breast tissue of pathogenic bacteria. How exactly does the disease manifest in the first stages? Chest as if swelling, increasing in size. It becomes firm, places in the tissues are evidently felt by seals, tubercles. An obvious symptom of mastitis is swollen, coarse nipples, to which it is painful to touch. Breasts appear to be full of milk, swollen, but it is difficult to express. Be sure to pay attention to the body temperature - it rises sharply. A slight chill, a slight malaise in a short time develop into a severe fever and pronounced soreness. This is also a symptom of mastitis, it can not be mistaken. And the temperature difference between the armpits can be a kind of pointer to the problem with milk congestion. Higher it will be in the one that is next to the sick chest. Yes exactly. It happens that mastitis develops only in one gland. And if the disease is run, then it will be transferred to the second one. In addition to external signs, the analysis of blood helps to reveal the symptoms of mastitis in women, which will clearly indicate the inflammatory process. And since the disease occurs in several stages, it is extremely important not to allow the latter, the most severe, purulent. The body experiences acute intoxication: body aches, headache, nausea and vomiting, and all this against the background of the already described unpleasant sensations in the chest. This is in general terms mastitis in breastfeeding. Symptoms may be present all together or selectively, but in any case, you should definitely consult a doctor!
What to do, if…
Needless to say, it is desirable that during the pregnancy and in the first half of the postpartum period (6 months) the female body is healthy. After all, even such a "trifle" as inflamed tonsils, aching teeth (pulpitis), sinusitis can become agents of infection, which causes a symptom of mastitis. Yes, and the weakened immunity of the mother of a newborn is also an objective reason. But if the problem is manifested, it should be fought with. The doctor will tell you about medication. But what is required of the woman herself: prevention of cracks in the nipples, hygienic procedures, treatment of areolas by special means, breast pads made of natural flax or cotton, so that the nipple skin does not rub against the fabric of bras. Overdry, by the way, it should not be. Therefore, when washing the mammary glands, use such hygienic means, the alkaline level of which is close to neutral.
Be attentive to yourself and your health!