Inflamed breast

It is recommended to let the baby drink at least every two to three hours. It is best for the woman to start with the affected breast so that it is emptied as completely as possible. This reduces the pressure in the breast. If breastfeeding from the inflamed breast is not successful, the milk can be pumped as an alternative. However, pumping for too long can increase milk production. After emptying the breast, cold is good for you. It reduces pain and swelling and causes blood vessels to contract. This reduces milk production. Compresses from the pharmacy, cooling compresses or wraps that are applied for 20 to 30 minutes are suitable for cooling. Women can use curd or cabbage leaves as a home remedy.

If fat clots in the milk are a cause of milk stasis, women can talk to their doctor about taking lecithin. The emulsifier can dissolve fat. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with the pain and fever. They only get into the breast milk in small amounts. Acetylsalicylic acid is contraindicated for breastfeeding.

If the milk stasis has developed into mastitis, fast action is required. In the early stages, cold treatments are the most important. A tight-fitting bra or tying up the affected breast will relieve the pressure. Drinking enough and resting will help the body fight the inflammation. However, if the symptoms do not improve within 24 hours, medical help is required. In the case of mastitis caused by bacteria, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. He chooses those that are compatible with breastfeeding, such as cephalosporins or penicillins. The pharmacy team can provide information on what to look for in individual medicines during breastfeeding. A good source of information, in addition to the specialist information, is the Embryotox database, which is also available as an app for smartphones (www.embryotox.de). If women still want to take a break from breastfeeding, it is best to discuss the procedure with their gynaecologist, midwife or a breastfeeding counsellor. It is important that the antibiotic is taken for a sufficiently long time to avoid a relapse. If the patient does not feel better within 48 hours despite taking the antibiotic, it may be necessary to switch to another drug.

If mastitis is not treated early and consistently, complications such as purulent ulcers, fistulas and even blood poisoning can develop. Abscesses can be palpated as lumps that give way under pressure. They are painful and, like fistulas within the mammary gland, usually need to be treated surgically.