Mastitis / Breast Engorgement/ Cracked and Sore Nipples

Breast Engorgement
Breast engorgement occurs in the mammary glands when too much breast milk is contained within them. It is caused by insufficient breastfeeding and/or blocked milk ducts. When engorged the breasts may swell, throb, and cause mild to extreme pain.
Engorgement may lead to mastitis (inflammation of the breast) and untreated engorgement puts pressure on the milk ducts, often causing a plugged duct. Often, a lump in one part of the breast, and the skin in that area may be red and/or warm. If it continues unchecked, the plugged duct can become a breast infection, at which point a fever or flu-like symptoms may present.

Treatment:

Raw potato poultice

A potato poultice is a compress made with grated potato that is used to relieve congestion and inflammation and heal skin.
How to make a poultice:

• Grate raw potatoes
• Spread the potatoes onto a thick gauze or cheesecloth. Add another sheet of gauze or cheesecloth or fold it over.
• Apply the poultice to the affected area for 15 minutes
• Repeat 3 times daily until healed

Or

Cabbage Leaves
Cabbage Leaves: Bruised cabbage leaves that have been refrigerated can be placed inside your bra to relieve engorgement.

Cracked or Sore Nipples
Prevention is the key here, especially at the onset of nursing. The first line of defense against nipple problems is to begin breastfeeding slowly. Try to let the breasts remain exposed to air and try not to keep them in a bra for too long. Make sure the baby has a correct latch taking the entire areola into the mouth and make sure the nipple is in the center of the baby’s palate, and placed deeply into the baby’s mouth. If nipples are cracked and bleeding, it is advisable to suspend nursing for 24 hours or until the pain has reduced.

Treatment:
Keep nipples soft and supple with Vitamin E oil.

To resolve cracked nipples
Marshmallow roots make wonderful soaks that soothe tender tissues and sore nipples, open clogged ducts and tubes, powerfully draw out infection, and diminish the pain of engorged, inflamed breasts. Steep two ounces of dried marshmallow root overnight in half a gallon of water just off the boil. The texture of the finished brew should be slippery and slimy. Heat as needed, pouring the hot liquid into a sink or basin and soak breasts. Important: wash ointment off nipple before nursing.