Methods to Treat Mastitis and More...
Breastfeeding can be both a source of joy and of challenges. Sore nipples, mastitis, blebs and thrush are just some of the challenges that can arise. But have no fear as they all have healing methods that can be applied at home, usually with great success, providing the necessary relief you deserve so you may move forth in your breastfeeding and motherhood journey.
Emotions, lack of proper rest and nutrition, extreme changes in your day-to-day routine, not feeding on demand throughout the day and night, lack of fully emptying the breasts with each feeding, improper latch, oversupply of breastmilk, ill-fitting bras, improper breastfeeding pump fittings… the list goes on for all the different causes that can lead to the development of mastitis or other breast disharmony. It’s best if you know the root cause so you can make proper adjustments and address the root directly. Like if you missed a feeding because you were traveling and acute mastitis sets in. Now you know you need to stick to regular feedings and always make arrangements in your day so feedings aren’t delayed. Sometimes we do not know the exact root of why the breast disharmony developed and that is okay. The methods described below can still be applied to assist your body getting back into health harmony at home.
Proper feeding positions can make a huge difference in how your body responds and can keep you from experiencing pain or developing issues. Experiment with different nursing positions as there is no ‘this is the only perfect way or position’. I have heard many a story of some very unique and creative positions that worked fabulously for mama and her babe which they found through being diligent and dedicated to finding what works for them, being creative and making it work.
Remember that fresh air and healthy sun exposure, not high sun, are also great to keep your breasts happy. Just like your baby’s buns benefit from fresh air and delicate sun exposure to ward off diaper rash, this concept also applies to your breasts, so find a place that you may be comfortable taking advantage of what the outdoors has to offer.
Self-massage of the breasts is also highly recommended or have your husband lend his helping hands to assist your body. Massage from the back and sides of your breast towards the nipple. Using a gentle toothed comb on your breasts in a warm shower can bring relief. Doing this self-massage while your baby feeds can also be a benefit allowing you and your baby to work together on keeping your rivers flowing smoothly.
Avoid washing your nipples with soap as soap removes your body’s natural oils. You should be very cautious of using any sort of perfume, lotion or powder for many reasons but most specifically, in regards to healthy breastfeeding, to keep you and your baby’s body safe. If you must, use all natural, no fragrance added, etc. body care products. Lastly, always take time to rest and keep quality nutrition as part of your daily routine!
In my article Breast Is Best, I discussed an acupuncture point called Lesser Marsh on our bodies that directly taps into the breast and can be used to free the flow when needing to get your milk rivers flowing. This point can be successfully used at the beginning of the breastfeeding journey, or in cases like acute mastitis, to release the clog. No matter if the lack of flow is due to emotions or physical in nature, this point located on the dorsal aspect of the pinky finger right next to the bottom of the nail bed is a key available for us to unlock the milk rivers of our mama bodies. But what else can be used that we might have around our homes or can be picked up at our local Farmer’s Market or an herbal health store? Let’s take a look…
Mastitis
Raw potato is cooling to apply and is a natural drawer out of infections. Place a chunk or some grated raw potato on the painful, swollen area. Hold in place or use sterilized gauze or clean cotton to make a compress and place the compress over the painful area, then rest. Change regularly until relieved. You can also go from raw cooling potato to a warm Parsley (Petroselinum sativum) compress. Using fresh or dried Parsley, placed in a clean cotton cloth, rubber band off one side to keep the herbs secured, put the cloth with herbs into simmering water for 10-15 minutes to steep then place on infected breast until compress cools down. Use the compress as hot as you personally can handle making sure not to burn yourself. As with any food or herb you put in or on your body, always source the highest quality, cleanest you can afford to obtain. You may also soak your breasts in the Parsley tea. Always do your best to nurse through your mastitis as your baby will not be impacted by your infection but can help clear your clogged ducts. Remember, a new breastfeeding angle could help your body unblock itself.
Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) is one of the most anti-inflammatory common mucilage herbs. Being that it is also salty, it works as a diuretic and emollient. Emollients soften and break up hard tissues making them wonderful at soothing tender breasts and opening up clogged ducts and tubes. It powerfully draws out infection helping to diminish pain. Make a cold infusion by soaking the root in cold water for 8 to 12 hours overnight. The infusion should be thick and slimy in the morning. Use cool or gently heat the infusion so that it is warm, but not hot. Then fill a container that you are able to soak your breasts in comfortably and do so until the infusion cools. Repeat as needed. When working with herbs it is best to always use earthenware or glass and avoid metals, even stainless steel.
Poke Root (Phytolacca decandra) tincture will quickly stimulate lymph gland activity and clear mastitis! No more than 2 drops of the tincture daily. This tincture is great to combine with Echinacea root (Echinacea angustifolia) tincture as well, especially if there is any fever present with the mastitis. Echinacea will purge and clean your lymphatic and circulatory systems while stimulating white blood cell production. Take the Echinacea root tincture at 10 drops, 1-3x per day. Do not take for longer than 2 weeks at a time. Poke root tincture can also be used to resolve engorgement at 2 drops daily.
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is another herb that will help decrease milk supply in the mama who is an overproducer with its powerful drying action. Listen to your body though because there is a fine line between making too much milk causing you engorgement issues and ceasing milk production. You want to find that line and walk it carefully so you are plentiful and flowing but without the pain that overabundance can bring.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officiale), translating loosely to ‘disorder remedy,’ is such a powerful little herb often categorized as a weed. How shameful as it has so much to give. Focusing just on breast support today, let’s take a closer look at how and why to use this herb. Dandelion is regarded as one of the finest liver remedies and remember the liver channel cups the breast. It is a blood purifier with energetics of being bitter, sweet and cold making it fabulous to treat mastitis as its nature is to break up stagnant energy. It has the ability to reduce abscesses and dissipate nodules or external sores. Dandelion clears heat and resolves dampness in the body. Dampness will frequently lead to stagnation which is what causes issues like lack of proper milk or energy flow. For best results, use the fresh herb as a decoction, especially if using the root. If using the flowers, you will want to add them into the root decoction at the last 10 minutes of your brewing. If using the leaves, they can be added somewhere after the root as they will not take as long as the root but will need more time than the flowers. This decoction may also be used externally as a compress. A tincture of Dandelion may also be used internally. Be mindful not to overdo it as too large a dose or too much over time can lead to diarrhea.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) is a blood purifier. Its cool, sweet and moist nature has an affinity to the glands of the body and therefore helps alleviate congested, swollen, irritable and dry tissues. If your mastitis is displaying hard glandular cysts or nodules give Red Clover flowers in a tea or tincture a try daily, or at least 30 days, as this herb works over time.
Chamomile (Chamomilla matricaria) is an amazing relaxant and anti-allergenic. Use fresh flowers for relaxing purposes and dried flowers for its bitter actions to alleviate mastitis. Tea or tincture are the choices for mastitis… not homeopathy or essential oils.
Sore Nipples
Sore nipples can be a frequent complaint, especially during the first few weeks of nursing. Prevention is your greatest ally, but what does that look like, and if you do happen to develop sore nipples what should you do? Again, fresh air and natural light are always a good idea. If you and your baby are doing what you can to have as much chest-to-chest time as possible this provides a great opportunity to achieve that goal while also providing yourself with the opportunity to not be smothered by clothing as ill-fitting bras or even simple clothing rubbing against your skin can be an irritant as you break your breasts into their new routine. When wearing clothes, do your best to wear natural fibers touching your skin.
Many mamas report either cool or warm compresses — it is a personal choice — really ease and ward off pain and problems especially in the first weeks of feedings to help keep the tenderness at bay and the milk rivers flowing on the way.
Applications like a fresh cabbage leaf over each breast after each feeding provide a cool, soothing effect. Crushed ice in a wet washcloth can bring some great relief. If your nipples are small, applying a cold application such as crushed ice or frozen gauze pad can help bring your nipples more fully out if done immediately before nursing allowing your baby and you to work better together.
Others prefer warm applications like Booby Tubes® or any of the many other soft warm gel free options available to purchase or get creative and make your own! As a non-microwave family, I have always heated up any applications such as Booby Tubes® with an electric heat pad or with a hot water bottle. Heat them up while nursing and then they will be ready and warm once your baby has finished eating. Warm compress prior to nursing is recommended if dealing with a blocked duct to help loosen the area and prep yourself for the next nursing session.
Cold pressed virgin olive oil, lanolin, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and/or Vitamin E oil all are nice soothing oils that you can apply to your nipples post feeding to help soothe them. If leaning towards Vitamin E oil I prefer to use a high-quality wheat germ oil. Always avoid synthetic oils. Also remember that common home staples like 100% grass-fed (unsalted) butter or ghee, or raw honey also can be used on your skin to assist in repairing sore and/or cracked skin desperate for hydration and nourishment. Eating them will also benefit your skin.
If Elderberry blossoms (Sambucus canadensis) are available to you then take a handful of dried flowers, put them in a bowl and pour just enough oil to cover them. Gently warm for approximately 20 minutes to infuse. Once the oil has cooled, strain out the flowers and use on your nipples and breasts to relieve pain and sensitivity.
Aloe Vera gel (Aloe barbadensis) is known for its cooling, refreshing and mucilaginous properties. Being a moist nutritive that drains fire, it is a natural skin soother. If you are lucky enough to have a plant then cut a leaf (you will be using only the inside thick gel part) and cut off a small part that you will use in the moment while storing the rest of the leaf in the fridge. If you don’t have access to this plant then make sure to purchase a pure gel product. No coloring, no additives. But it is quite bitter and salty therefore make sure to gently wash your nipples, water only, before your next feeding as it is likely to deter your baby from wanting to latch.
Fresh or dried Comfrey leaves (Symphytum officinale) can be used to make a hot compress to help soothe sore nipples, soften engorged breasts (when feeding till each breast is empty is not enough relief), reduce pain of swollen breasts as well as help unblock tubes and ducts. For unblocking tubes and ducts, use prior to a nursing session.
Now Comfrey, possessing the substance allantonin, does have the amazing ability to generate cell growth in flesh and bone. Because of this unique characteristic I would advise using Comfrey sparingly around your nipples as you would not want to accidentally cause tissue growth in an area that you are trying to keep open and flowing. Comfrey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which have been linked to various liver pathologies. Taking Comfrey internally, like as a tea, should be limited and not advised if your liver is not up to par. Fresh Comfrey roots have the highest concentraion of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, then fresh leaves and lastly dry leaves have the least concentration.
If broken skin has occurred, Calendula (Calendula officinalis) oil or salve will be your good ally. This flower has loads of healing love to give for broken skin, infections, wounds, sores, burns and more. Though it encourages the body to heal at its own pace, it will also keep any inflammation from spreading while lessening pain and resolving pus, if any had formed. As an emollient it will keep wounds from hardening and forming scar tissue. This is a great option to also strengthen the nipple region of your breasts and can also come in handy, heaven forbid, your baby suffers from some sort of diaper rash.
Blebs
Now blebs… what is a bleb exactly? A bleb, or milk blister, is a clogged pore in your nipple that occurs during breastfeeding. It happens when your pore gets blocked by a piece of skin or a small amount of hardened breast milk. A milk bleb looks like a small pimple. It can be white, yellow, clear or flesh colored. The skin around the blister or bleb can be red or swollen. Many of the same methods discussed above can also be applied to assist your body in overcoming a bleb. Another option to consider trying as well is Castor oil (Ricinus communis), also known as the Palm of Christ, applied externally after feedings to break up nodules. Castor oil is a very thick and viscous oil so best if you can keep fabrics you do not want stained away from your breast as the oil soaks into your body. Applying heat to the castor oil will help push this already deep penetrating oil even deeper into your body allowing it to break up any stagnation further from the surface.
Thrush
If thrush dampens your and/or your baby’s day there are several at home remedies to try right away. Thrush, Candida albicans, is a yeast that is a normal symbiotic part of our bodies that can at times get wildly out of control causing a health disharmony. Sometimes it is as simple as employing proper hygiene. But when you need more than that, basic yogurt can serve up relief. Homemade yogurt or as close to basic real yogurt is the best. Avoid any sugar, flavor, fruit added, etc. type of yogurt. You are after “good bacteria” like lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus bacterium. Apply anywhere thrush appears including your nipples and/or baby’s mouth. Take extra precautions to not introduce contaminants into yogurt while using it to treat thrush outbreaks.
Baking soda is another at home remedy for thrush. Taking a teaspoon of baking soda to eight ounces of clean room temp water internally will help bring your body back into balance. A baking soda paste applied externally is also good. Raw apple cider vinegar is another option to add into your water, or take straight, to help bring pH balance back into you and your baby’s bodies and can also be applied externally. Avoid sugar during thrush outbreaks.
Plantain seeds (Plantago major) soaked in just enough water to cover the seeds overnight will swell into a gel-like substance. Apply to areas of thrush. Repeat as needed. You may also use Psyllium seeds (Plantago psyllium) in lieu of Plantain seeds as they may be easier to obtain.
Breastmilk is packed with goodness beyond our human comprehension. Some of what we do know is that it builds blood and supports bone growth as well as supporting the healthy growth of the sinews. It fosters the life energy essence and engenders muscle growth. Breastmilk quiets the spirit, bringing internal peace to the baby, boosts their intelligence and strengthens their stomach, in turn strengthening digestion which is key to optimizing health. It sharpens their hearing and brightens their eyes. The liver energy opens to the eyes and as we all have heard the ‘eyes are the windows into the soul’. And this is just a short overview of the benefits of breastmilk for your baby. It is nature’s perfect first food!
No matter what challenges you find yourself up against on your breastfeeding journey, always do your best to breastfeed through them so that your baby, and you, will benefit from this special opportunity of the undeniable nutrition that breastmilk brings to your baby and the bonding opportunity of a lifetime for the both of you. Mama and baby were designed to be together for so many reasons. You were built to do this mama! ✨