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to express a little milk on that side before feeding in order to soften it slightly. If that doesn’t work, you can try latching your baby on to the unaffected side frst, and then transferring him/her over to the affected breast as soon as possible. Express milk or pump if your baby is not draining the affected side.”

Cold packs, cold towels, cold cabbage leaves or even rolling a cold can of soda down your breast can help to keep your infected breast cool, whilst paracetamol can help to reduce the pain. Your doctor may also prescribe ibuprofen to help reduce the swelling.

Jenny advises, “As with all types of engorgement, it’s advisable to apply cold (such as an ice pack) after feeds, and mild warmth before feeds. Ice will help reduce swelling but will inhibit your milk letting down, so don’t apply ice if you are expecting to feed your baby or express within the next hour. If nothing helps to drain your breast, lactation consultants can perform specialist massage, but this needs to be done by a board-certifed lactation consultant, not your regular massage therapist.”

Can I prevent it?

Mastitis can strike again, for as long as you breastfeed.  To protect your breasts, empty them fully at each feed through a combination of nursing and expressing. Feed more frequently when your breasts feel lumpy and get your hands on a can of Coke and start rolling. It feels bizarre, but it really does help. Ask a lactation consultant for advice

if you fnd that your baby is not latching on properly. Finally, get some rest. Tiredness leads to a weaker immune system, and a weaker immune system leads to greater risk of infection.

Jenny advises, “Be alert to the early warning stages, which are severe engorgement and plugged ducts, and try to prevent them. The easiest way to prevent engorgement in the early days is by feeding your baby frequently. We recommend newborns to be breastfed eight to 12 times per 24 hours. If your baby is having trouble latching on well and/or is not draining your breasts effectively, seek immediate help from a lactation consultant.

“If you notice a sore lump or tough part of your breast that doesn’t go away after feeding, this is known as a plugged duct,” Jenny continues. “Take immediate action and apply mild warmth and gentle massage before feeds, then cold after feeds, and try different breastfeeding positions so that your baby’s chin or nose is pointing at the sore spot. I got rid of plugged ducts by taking a warm shower, gently massaging my breast behind the lump and expressing a little milk in the shower, then feeding my baby immediately afterwards. If the situation does not improve within 12 hours, seek immediate help from a lactation consultant.”

If you experience recurrent mastitis, discuss your situation with your lactation consultant, or your doctor, or contact La Leche League (www.lllhk.org).

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