Mastitis, one of the biggest fears for new mothers: how to prevent it?
Mastitis is defined as swelling and redness of breast tissue. It also causes pain and heat in the breast, so when an infection occurs, it can cause fever and chills.
TL;DR
- Mastitis involves swelling, redness, pain, and heat in the breast, potentially with fever and chills.
- It can affect non-nursing mothers but poses challenges for breastfeeding mothers.
- Key causes include milk duct obstruction and germ accumulation from the baby's mouth.
- Prevention strategies include frequent feeding/pumping, ensuring complete milk removal, alternating nursing positions, and proper baby latch.
- Untreated mastitis can lead to abscesses requiring surgical drainage.
- Seek professional help for early symptoms like tenderness, heat, swelling, or lumps.