The Management of Mastitis: A Physiotherapist's Perspective

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released new guidelines recently for the management of mastitis and it has flipped a lot of the old beliefs and strategies on their head! We now know that some of the old strategies like massage and pumping can actually make the problem worse.

So why the changes?

Science is forever changing and progressing, which is a good thing! Mastitis is now considered to be a spectrum, rather than a one-size fits all type of approach. 

And the cause of mastitis, which was originally thought to be an infection, is now believed to actually be from inflammation. Which means the management is different, continue reading for more info about what this means! 

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What are the new recommendations?

1. Continue your usual feeding pattern and avoid excess pumping

The first sign of mastitis is often oversupply, this means we want to avoid over pumping as this can signal the body to increase your milk supply even more! Demand = supply.

2. Use ice packs, rather than heat

As mastitis is now considered inflammation rather than an infection, ice is beneficial to reduce the swelling and blood supply. Try putting a cold compress or ice pack on the affected breast instead.

3. Consider anti-inflammatories (but check with your GP first)

Again, as mastitis is now considered to be inflammation, simple ibuprofen can help to reduce this. Make sure you have the all clear from your GP or OB first before taking these!

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4. Avoid firm massage

The old recommendations suggested massage to move the blocked milk in your ducts, however this is now old news! Not only is this considered an ineffective method, but it can also result in ‘tissue trauma’ according to the new guidelines. A very gentle lymphatic drainage type massage is preferable. Sweep from the nipple upwards to the armpit to help move along any extra fluid.

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Reduce inflammation = ease your symptoms

All of the methods above are aimed at addressing the inflammation, which in turn will ease your symptoms of mastitis. 

If you are still struggling to get on top of it, then therapeutic ultrasound administered by a physiotherapist can help!

Click here to book an appointment for mastitis treatment with us here at Sunny Side Physio.

Please note:

If your symptoms persist or you start to feel worse, then please visit your GP as medication or antibiotics may be required to get on top of it.

Extra Reading...

If you would like to read more about the changes to the mastitis guidelines, please follow the links below.

Extra info – https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/mastitis

Full guidelines – https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20Protocol%20%2336.pdf