Mastitis and Clogged Duct Support
Last week I was exhausted beyond belief for three days with a side of the body aches. I thought it was just exhaustion and continued to push on through work/momming, feeling guilty that I might need to take a break. Then I woke up and my right boob was throbbing and I could feel the lump. “Oh no…mastitis!” I panicked and immediately asked you, this awesome community, for help and did a little research. I realized mine was probably a clogged duct that I was able to fix before I got full blown mastitis. I can’t believe how even that knocked me off my feet though!
The other lesson I learned is to rest when I need it. It took me realizing I had a clogged duct to give myself permission to rest and then I got better so much quicker than if I pushed through. Friendly reminder to rest upon the first sign of feeling tired or under the weather to speed up the healing process or even skip an illness altogether.
Clogged Duct/Mastitis Support:
Massage with hot compress before nursing. Rather than just using a compress soak a diaper in warm water. It will stay warm so much longer!
Massage with cold compress after nursing to reduce inflammation
Nurse, nurse, nurse!
Try dangle nursing to help with flow.
Place electric toothbrush on clogged area to break it up.
Use fine toothed comb in shower combing inward on breast,
Pump after nursing to make sure they are empty
Take Sunflower Lecithin. This is a natural milk emulsifier that will reduce stickiness by making sure fats don’t stick together. It will help overall milk flow through the ducts.
Citrus Essential Oil
If you spike a fever get antibiotics ASAP
Lots of water (add Ultima Replenisher to add electrolytes and minerals)
Lots of sleep
Boos your immune system with Kick-Ass Immune Activator by Wishgarden Herbs
For me the hot compress, nursing for all feedings, taking sunflower lecithin and getting extra sleep did the trick.
