Things You'll Need:
- Warm and cold compresses
- Poke root (phytolacca oil)
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Garlic
- Vitamin C
- Your nursing child
- Breastpump
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Step 1
To avoid mastitis, you will need to prevent from getting any plugged milk ducts, as these may lead to infection. Nurse often, don't skip feedings, stay on a nursing schedule, and pump when needed.
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Step 2
If you have a plugged duct, you will notice a lumpy area of the breast. You will want to do all you can to unplug it and get the milk flowing.
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Step 3
Apply a warm compress or take a warm bath or shower. While doing so, gently massage the affected area to help loosen up the duct and increase circulation.
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Step 4
Nurse your baby from the affected side often. It may help to also massage the area while you are nursing, so you can guide the flow of the milk to clear the duct.
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Step 5
Try nursing in different positions. Do not lay or put pressure on the affected side, which may further block the duct. Try getting on all fours, with your baby nursing underneath you, face up. Gently massage your way down through the nipple, working with gravity.
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Step 6
If you find that the lump is starting to get more tender and infected, you can apply some Poke Root (Phytolacca) Oil to the area. Poke Root is a known immune stimulant and lymphatic decongestant.
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Step 7
If area becomes too painful, try a cold compress as cold will take away the pain. You will still want to alternate with a warm compress as well, because you still want to keep that circulation going.
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Step 8
Apple Cider Vinegar is a great natural antibiotic. If you find that the plugged duct has in fact become infected, you'll want to take a few tablespoons of this 2-3 times a day. You can take it alone, but please note that it is very sour and bitter, so you may want to dilute it in water.
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Step 9
As with any cold or flu infection, you can take raw garlic (either in pure or capsule form) and high doses of Vitamin C. The garlic will act as an anti-inflammatory and the Vitamin C will draw out the toxins. Both are great immune boosters. See the link to my article "How to Boost Your Immune System (And Avoid Swine Flu) Using Natural Remedies" for more tips on boosting the immune system.
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Step 10
Rest!! It is important to rest your body during all of this. Even during the very first signs of infection, it is a sign that you are not taking the time to rest. We all know stress is a major factor of illness, and it is important to lower your stress level to optimize your immune system's healing capabilities!
