How to Home Remedy for Breast Infection

Breast Infections, or Mastitis, can occur throughout a woman's life. But they most often happen in the first 6 weeks after childbirth or anytime while breastfeeding.
Some sever cases require doctor visits and antibiotics, but if you can recognize the signs quickly enough and deal with them early, you can avoid most of the pain.
Symptoms include:
* Breast enlargement in one breast
* Lump (usually painful)
* Breast pain in affected breast
* Fever and flu-like symptoms ( can include nausea and vomiting)
* Itching at the lump
* Nipple discharge (may contain pus)
* Nipple sensation and pain when breastfeeding
* Swelling, tenderness, redness, and warmth in breast
* Enlarged/tender lymph nodes in armpit on that side

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water or energy drink
• Bed
• Heating Pad (optional)
• Breastfeeding baby or pump (optional)

1. 
   Drink water

   Drink. Drink lots. Drink more than you think you can stand. Doctors always say fluids help, but you will be simply amazed at how much better you will feel after 64 oz of water. If you can't stomach that much water, or you have been vomiting, use energy drinks like Gatorade or Powerade.

2. 
   Homemade heating pad

   Put a hot compress on the painful area. Either use a heating pad or a wash rag put under hot water and closed in a plastic baggie. You can also see my eHow on how to make your how heating pad. (http://www.ehow.com/how_5624910_make-easy-heating-pad.html?shared=true) Use the compress 15-20 minutes 4 times a day.

3. 

   Sleep. Nap if you can, relax if you can't. If you try to keep up with your normal routine, a breast infection can bowl you over and you will reach the "Flu-like symptoms" stage. No fun for anyone.

4. 

   Breastfeed or pump as much as possible. Emptying the infected area as much as possible will allow your body to beat it faster. Breastfeed on the infected side first every time so the strongest suck is there. Also, make sure either the baby's nose or chin is pointing to the infection, that will give the strongest suck that way. The infection usually has come from the baby's mouth so don't worry about the baby drinking the infected milk.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the baby is latching correctly while feeding.
• Wean baby slowly, mastitis will occur when weaning is done cold turkey.
• Lemons added to your water can help make the water more interesting and detox your system more.
• If the baby refuses to feed, use a pump to fully empty the breast.
• If your symptoms get too bad seek medical attention for antibiotics.

Resources

• La Leche League - local leaders can help

[pgardin]

on 11/9/2009 Well written.