Also know as a breast abscess, mastitis is a breast infection in the breast tissue.

What are the causes of mastitis?

Mastitis is caused by a normal bacteria that is found on skin, the bacteria finds it way inside the breast through cracked nipples. The infection is usually in the fat tissue of the breast which causes the breast to become sore and swollen.

Mastitis is also caused through pressure on the milk ducts when wearing a bra that is too tight.

Woman that do not drain their breasts fully after a feeding, have milk ducts that become blocked and therefore cause mastitis

The symptoms of mastitis:

- Breast lumps

- Pain inside the breasts

- One side of your breast may become larger than the other

- You may experience some flu like symptoms like nausea and vomiting

- Many mom with mastitis say that their breasts feel really itchy when they have mastitis

- In bad cases you might have some nipple discharge

- Enlarged glands (lymph nodes) under your arms

- Your milk might seem a bit thicker than usual and also have a yellowish colour to it

Self-care for mastitis

- Do not stop breastfeeding! Breastfeeding will help your breasts clear itself of the infection. Mastitis cannot harm your baby.

- Warm compresses help in getting the milk flowing, which can help get the ducts unplugged

- Strengthen your immune system by eating wholesome foods.

- Massaging your breasts can also get the milk flowing and help clear the ducts from the infection

Natural medicine for healing breast infections:

- Garlic

- Comfrey leaves and calendula flowers: Boil them and put them to the breast warm, at least four times daily, the comfrey and calendula will ease the sore nipples and help draw out the infection and clear the ducts.

- Raw cabbage leaves

- Vitamin C can be used to improve the body's resistance and help boost the body's production.

- Fenugreek tea or fenugreek capsules help for overall health.

When should I make a doctors appointment?

- If your breast become scarlet, warm, engorged, If your lymph nodes under your armpit become sore or swollen, if you have a relentless fever, you feel a lump in your breast or if your breast pains while breastfeeding

Prevention of mastitis ( mastitis control )

- Make sure to clean your breasts after every breastfeeding session

- Make sure that all milk is removed from your breasts after a feeding session. You might have to pump them for a few minutes.

- Try drinking lots of fluids especially water to clean out your system

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