Cause:
Bacteria can enter the breast through an
opening in the nipple or a break in the skin. When breastfeedings are
delayed or missed or when babies are feeding at irregular times the
breasts overfill and a breast infection can occur. The mother has
"flu-like" symptoms with fever. The breast is red, hot and painful.
Recommended Treatment:
-
Call your doctor. A prescription
medication (antibiotic) may be necessary. Although your symptoms may
improve in 24-48 hours, take the medication until it is gone. (10-14
days).
-
Continue to nurse on both breasts. The
infection will not harm your baby. Breastfeed every 1 1/2-3
hours during the day and every 2-3 hours at night. Start each
feeding on the uninfected breast until the letdown occurs, then
switch to the infected breast and nurse only until the breast is
well-drained. If necessary, pump
or hand express to soften the
breast and relieve fullness.
-
Put warm packs or ice packs on the
infected area to relieve pain. Warm washcloths, a warm shower or tub
bath or soaking the breasts in a pan of warm water works well. Some
women prefer cold packs and use bags of frozen peas wrapped in a
cold washcloth.
-
Drink enough fluid to satisfy your
thirst. Water and unsweetened fruit juices are suggested.
-
Take aspirin or acetaminophen for pain.
-
Get plenty of rest. Take the baby to
bed with you to save time and energy.
To Prevent Breast
Infection:
-
Position the baby correctly on the
breast.
-
If you delay or miss a feeding or if
the baby nurses poorly, hand express or pump to soften the breast
and relieve fullness.
-
Use 2-3 different breastfeeding
positions each day.
-
Avoid bras that are too tight or bind,
making it difficult to relieve fullness in all parts of the breast.
Avoid bras with underwires.
-
Wean gradually. Pump or hand express to
relieve fullness.
|
