FREE SHIPPING! On online orders of $74+. Use code: SHIP74 
Access Denied
IMPORTANT! If you’re a store owner, please make sure you have Customer accounts enabled in your Store Admin, as you have customer based locks set up with EasyLockdown app. Enable Customer Accounts
Treat Mastitis Naturally
Paula Gallagher on
Breastfeeding is wonderful and natural, providing nourishment for babies and cuddle time for moms. It even helps moms lose those baby pounds faster. But sometimes it can also bring engorgement, which leads to pain and sometimes mastitis. Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that involves enlargement, swelling, lumpiness, and pain in the affected breast. It can lead to flu-like symptoms and localized redness and tenderness, and even worse, to an abscess that will have to be removed or drained.
The conventional treatment for mastitis has been antibiotics and many women have discontinued nursing because of this. However, there are many natural and easy options for treating mastitis that still allow you to nurse. Here are some tips to prevent and treat this very common condition in breastfeeding moms:
1. Empty your breasts: Let your baby feed completely from one side of the breast before switching over. After your little one is done nursing, pump the breast to completely empty it. The more often you nurse, the less chance there will be of mastitis occurring. This is also a great way to increase your milk supply.
2. Warm baths, showers and compresses: This helps decrease inflammation and unclog the milk duct, as well as help with pain. Try massaging the area, as well.
3. Cabbage leaves: Believe it or not, this is one of those home remedies that really works. Place a slightly crushed, cool cabbage leaf in your bra. This will help drain the duct and reduce infection.
4. Echinecea: This is an immuno-stimulator and assists the body in fighting off infections.
5. Get plenty of rest. Although this may be easier said than done, try to sleep when the baby sleeps.
If you follow these steps and are still experiencing pain and inflammation, contact your doctor. If you do decide to take antibiotics, make sure that you supplement with a probiotic to combat some of the side effects, like diahrrea. (Your baby may also experience diarrhea because antiobiotics pass through breast milk).
Happy nursing!
Categories
Categories
Humanized Health - NEW!
Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:
Our Bloggers
-
Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
read more.. -
Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
read more.. -
Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
read more.. -
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
read more.. -
Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
read more..
SEE ALL OF OUR BLOGGERS
Invalid password
Enter
Learning Resources
Consultations
Green Initiatives
Pharmacy/Compounding
Humanized Health
Village Green Blog
Stay Connected
Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159
The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.
© 2023 Village Green Apothecary - All Rights Reserved.