Home Remedies for Mastitis: Breastfeeding poses various challenges, such as sore nipples and late-night feeds (along with plenty of baby cuddles!). If you experience breast pain, flu-like symptoms, and blocked milk ducts, it could be mastitis. Here is what mastitis is and the effective home remedies I used to address my breast infection.
Years ago, after an 18-hour car ride with five kids (yes, I might be crazy), I developed a severe case of mastitis. The baby was quite content in the car, and as long as the kids were happy, I kept on driving.
The first night, I attributed feeling tired to altitude sickness and tightness to not nursing all day, so I went to sleep early. The next morning, I knew something was wrong. That afternoon, I had a large lump forming in my breast, a classic sign of a clogged milk duct. Later I spiked a 104 fever (a sign of my immune system fighting infection). I completely understand (and sympathize) with how awful these types of infections are!
What is Mastitis?
Over the years, our understanding of mastitis has evolved. Breastfeeding mothers may experience blocked milk ducts, leading to inflammation and infection (mastitis). Pain, swelling, and a lump in the breast tissue, especially near the areola, may indicate a blocked milk duct. If signs of infection begin to appear, it is likely lactation mastitis.
Factors and causes contributing to mastitis risk:
- Weaning too abruptly can lead to breast engorgement
- The baby has a poor latch and is not effectively breastfeeding.
- Pressure on the breasts (from a tight bra, seatbelt, etc.)
- Breast engorgement can occur due to oversupply (which may also be caused by frequent pumping).
- Infection from breast damage, such as cracked nipples
Signs of Mastitis
Here are the signs to watch for if you suspect you have mastitis.
- Pain, swelling, redness, and/or inflammation of the breast
- Flu-like symptoms (including fever and body aches)
- A tough lump
- Nipple discharge.
- An accumulation of pus (breast abscess)
- Reduced milk output from the impacted breast
When I had mastitis, I was 1,300 miles from home and my doctor & midwife. I didn’t have most of my usual remedies with me. I hoped to avoid antibiotics, but severe cases of mastitis may require them to prevent an abscess.
I did what I typically do: conducted extensive research and tried various natural remedies while breastfeeding. Four days later, the lump had disappeared, and I had no lingering symptoms. Prevention is better than cure, and I likely could have prevented it by nursing the baby more frequently.
Having experienced mastitis, I tried various remedies. Here are the ones that helped me naturally treat mastitis.
Natural Treatment for Mastitis
In the past, heat and additional pumping/feeding were suggested. If a duct is blocked, massaging and continuing to feed as usual can help release it. In case of infection (mastitis), increasing feeding or pumping beyond normal levels can stimulate the body to produce more milk and result in oversupply.
Since mastitis involves inflammation, the usual recommendation is to use over-the-counter medications for pain and swelling. Tylenol (acetaminophen), Advil, and Ibuprofen are typical examples. However, I discovered that applying cold to the affected area and utilizing other natural remedies achieved the same results (and possibly even better!).
1. Rest and Regular Nursing
I have heard lactation consultants mention that mastitis can indicate that you are overexerting yourself and need to take a break. Another reason could be going too long without nursing. When I noticed I had mastitis, the initial action I took was to rest and breastfeed the baby frequently. This can assist in unclogging the duct and allowing milk to flow.
Try varying breastfeeding positions to ensure the baby can effectively extract enough breast milk. Additionally, ensure the baby has a proper latch on the breast to avoid incomplete drainage. Look out for signs indicating the baby might have a lip or tongue tie causing problems.
Symptoms of Tongue and Lip Tie
- Mom experiences nipple pain while breastfeeding
- Nipples appeared wrinkled, pale, cracked, blistered, or bleeding
- Blocked ducts, nipple infections, or mastitis
- Nipple thrush
- Overfilled breasts (baby struggles to extract sufficient milk)
You may observe that your baby displays some of the following symptoms:
- Light clasp
- Nurses frequently on and off the breast
- Nibbles on nipple
- Clicking sound during breastfeeding
- Swallows excessive air, resulting in gas, colic, and/or reflux
- Nurses for extended periods or have brief intervals between feeds
I had Dr. Erin Appleton on the podcast and she shared valuable insights on breastfeeding and oral ties that you can listen to here.
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2. Using Cold or Heat
I found cold to be the most effective for pain relief, although I also occasionally utilized heat. I would use heat for 15-30 minutes before nursing to aid in unclogging the duct and facilitate easier nursing. Subsequently, I would apply ice for 15-30 minutes post-nursing to reduce swelling.
Consider using an ice pack or cold compress for cooling and anti-inflammatory relief.
3. Massage
At that time, the resources I consulted suggested using massage to alleviate the blockage. I discovered relief by gently massaging the impacted area in small circular motions while the baby nursed. Presently, opinions on this matter are somewhat varied. As per breast health specialist Dr. Mitchell:
If a mother experiences a “plug,” she should strictly avoid excessive massaging as it traumatizes breast tissue, causes broken capillaries, worsens swelling, and can lead to something called “phlegm” or abscess.
The Cleveland Clinic suggests that a gentle lymphatic massage can be beneficial. They caution against applying excessive pressure on the breast. To perform a lymphatic breast massage, softly stroke from the areola towards the lymph nodes above the collarbone and in the armpit. This aids in releasing trapped fluid to alleviate swelling.
The Happy Ducts glycerite from Wish Garden helps enhance lymph flow for faster mastitis clearance.
Gentle massage during nursing can aid milk letdown and flow. However, improper use may be detrimental. When in doubt, seek advice from an IBCLC lactation consultant.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is crucial in combating mastitis. I always had water close by and drank regularly to maintain my milk production and aid in fighting the infection. Including minerals is wise as our body is not just 80% water, but 80% saline solution!
I enjoy this mineral water recipe.
5. Raw Garlic
Garlic may not be ideal for a baby’s stomach, but its antibacterial properties work wonders for infections. I purchased organic garlic from the store and consume a few cloves daily. This has been my go-to remedy for infections and illnesses, and I typically see improvement within a day. My preferred method is finely mincing the garlic and scooping small amounts with a spoon, followed by a quick swallow with water.
If you are not as adventurous as me, mixing the garlic with some raw honey will make it a little easier!
6. Cabbage Leaves
I recalled this advice from the lactation consultant at the hospital after giving birth to one of my babies. I’m unsure if it aided in fighting the infection, but it provided relief to the affected duct and certainly did no harm.
A 2012 meta-analysis examined multiple studies of breastfeeding mothers who used cabbage leaves for relief. The analysis revealed that cabbage leaves alleviated pain and breast engorgement, ultimately enabling women to breastfeed for longer periods by enhancing their nursing comfort.
To apply this remedy: place a cold cabbage leaf on the affected breast. Replace every hour as necessary. CAUTION: Using cabbage leaves may reduce milk production in some women, so use with caution.
7. Vitamin C
I always carry vitamin C when traveling, so fortunately, I had it with me. I consumed 4 capsules every four hours until the infection cleared. Vitamin C aids the immune system and is beneficial for various infections.
How vitamin C and vitamin E affect milk production in dairy animals is a topic of frequent study. A 2005 study revealed that camels with low levels of vitamin C in their milk and blood plasma were at a higher risk of developing mastitis. While breastfeeding mothers are not camels, research on animals highlights the significance of adequate intake of these vitamins.
Some mothers have also reported positive results after gently massaging vitamin E into the breast tissue following a breastfeeding session.
8. Probiotics
I also had probiotics with me. After the infection began to fade, I consumed high doses of probiotics to support my immune system. I maintained the increased probiotics intake for approximately a week before returning to the regular dose.
A 2022 meta-analysis examined the potential benefits of probiotics in alleviating mastitis symptoms. The study found that probiotics were effective in decreasing harmful bacteria in breast milk among both healthy individuals and those suffering from mastitis. This suggests that probiotic supplements may lower the risk of developing mastitis symptoms. Additionally, even for individuals already experiencing mastitis, probiotics could aid in the recovery process.
Final Reflections on Home Remedies for Mastitis
On the initial day of discovering my mastitis, I felt terrible. I experienced a high fever, chills, and muscle aches resembling the flu. Within a day following this treatment, the fever subsided, and I felt significantly improved. In 48 hours, only a small painful lump lingered, and by the third day, I had returned to my usual state.
Mastitis is a serious infection that can lead to more severe issues. Not all cases can be effectively treated with natural remedies. If you experience worsening symptoms or discomfort within a few days, it is important to seek advice from your healthcare provider.
Have you ever experienced mastitis? How did you manage to overcome it? Share your experience below!
