Treatment of Mastitis

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Mild cases of mastitis can be relieved by taking simple measures at home:

Hot showers or hot compresses will help to relieve the pain;
Experts suggest that breast-feeding should be continued on the affected side. This may be painful at first but will help to relieve the mastitis and will not harm the baby;
After each feed, make sure your breast is empty and express any remaining milk if necessary;
Give the baby the affected breast first, to make sure it is fully drained;
Try varying the position of the baby, and ask your midwife or health visitor for advice on breastfeeding techniques;
Take painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol for any pain, but do not take aspirin;
Some people recommend putting chilled leaves of a savoy cabbage inside your bra, to relieve the pain and swelling of mastitis;
You may be able to clear a blocked milk duct by feeding the baby more frequently from the affected breast, and using gentle massage of the breast while you feed.

Severe mastitis requires urgent treatment with antibiotics. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics that are safe to take while breastfeeding. If the mastitis develops further to form an abscess, it will need to be surgically opened and drained.