Serious Postpartum Complications Women Can Face

Mastitis And Clogged Ducts

Mastitis, otherwise known as a breast infection, consists of tender, reddened areas on the breast. They can be caused by bacteria and lowered defenses against exhaustion, stress, or cracked nipples. If symptoms appear, they usually are fever and headaches, chills, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. Standard treatment is an antibiotic from a doctor. The patient may continue to breastfeed, as an infection does not affect the quality of milk, and it is also vital the patient drinks plenty of fluids and gets lots of rest. A warm, wet towel applied to the affected areas can provide some relief, and a cold compress after nursing may also reduce the congestion in the breast.

Clogged milk ducts, which often result in redness, pain, swelling, or a lump in the breast, can appear to be mastitis. However, clogged ducts are not accompanied by flu-like symptoms. Doctors will recommend the patient massages their breast, frequently nurse until there is no more milk, and apply warm, wet packs or towels to the area to alleviate discomfort.