Hawaii Online Breastfeeding Resources

Breastfeeding Hawaii formerly known as the Hawaii Breastfeeding Coalition: http://breastfeedinghawai i.org/home

Mastitis

Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies: http://hmhbhawaii.org/index.php/dir ectory/category/C8

References

Lowdermilk, D. L., Perry, S. E., & Cashion, K. (2010).Maternity nursing. (8th ed. ed.). Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby. MayoClinic, S. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/ health/mastitis/DS00678

Created By: Brandi Anastacio KCC Student Nurse

WHAT IS IT? Its an infection of the breast, usually only affecting one breast and often seen in breastfeeding mothers.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS? With mastitis, signs and symptoms can appear suddenly and may include: Breast tenderness or warmth to the touch Generally feeling ill (malaise) Swelling of the breast Pain or a burning sensation continuously or while breast-feeding Skin redness, often in a wedge-shaped pattern and in the outer part of the breast Fever of 101 F (38.3 C) or greater **Mastitis is often seen within the first few months of breastfeeding, but can occur at any time during breastfeeding.

HOW IS IT TREATED? Mastitis is often treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor and you can continue to feed your baby or pump often from the affected breast. Other things that might help include: Warm Compress Ibuprofen Increasing Fluids Eating a well-balanced diet Rest IS IT PREVENTABLE?

Prevention is possible by doing the following:

WHAT CAUSES IT?

A blocked milk duct. If a breast doesn't completely empty at feedings, one of your milk ducts can become clogged, causing milk to back up, which leads to breast infection. Bacteria entering your breast. Bacteria from your skin's surface and baby's mouth can enter the milk ducts through a break or crack in the skin of your nipple or through a milk duct opening.

Feeding/Pumping every 23 hours, not allowing the breast to get too full Rotating breast during feedings, i.e. start feedings with the breast you finished with last and feed for 10-20 min per side Warm Compresses before/after feedings Clean and dry breast after feedings before putting bra on Wash hands prior to feedings Wearing a well fitted bra

without underwires