Caring for Mastitis: Practical Tips for Nursing Parents by IBCLC Candidate Ida Hanson

Mastitis can be bacterial or inflammatory and results from the narrowing of mammary ducts due to inflammation. The mastits spectrum can start as engorgement and lead to a plugged duct or abscess and ultimately mastitis. The goal is to reduce inflammation at all points along the spectrum. 

Mastitis will present with symptoms such as breast hardness, pain, warmth and redness. Bacterial mastitis will also present with systemic, flu-like symptoms, such as fever, body aches and lethargy. Antibiotics are needed for bacterial mastitis. Inflammatory mastitis does not require antibiotics. 

Recommendations: 

  • Feed your baby on demand or pump during your normal schedule 

  • ICE packs or COLD compresses to reduce inflammation and swelling

  • Practice GENTLE lymphatic massage toward the armpits to help drain fluids and reduce inflammation 

  • Discuss with your healthcare provider the use of ibuprofen for pain relief and inflammation reduction

Avoid: 

  • Extra pumping. Do not try to “empty” the breast as overstimulation can increase inflammation

  • Heat. While heat may provide some comfort, it is a vasodilator and can make inflammation and swelling worse 

  • Aggressive massage or squeezing of the breasts as this can make inflammation and swelling worse and can result in tissue trauma 

Of course, we’re always here to support you and your family. If you have questions for our team, please book an appointment here or text us at 202.293.5182 for more information.

iDA HANSON IBCLC CANDIDATE/CLINICAL LACTATION INTERN

Ida is a military spouse who understands the importance of true community support when raising a family. After nursing school Ida worked with the pediatric special needs population before multiple moves around the world. In 2020 she reconnected with the maternal-child community and became a Certified Lactation Counselor. She worked as a trusted CLC at WIC until the Air Force moved she and her family to the Northern Virginia area. At the Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington Ida continues her path to becoming an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant under the mentorship of the highly skilled IBCLCs on staff. She is honored to be an IBCLC candidate and to provide practical, evidence-based lactation care to families during their breastfeeding journey.





SOURCE: THE ACADEMY OF BREASTFEEDING MEDICINE

Angel Yarbor