Mastitis is a painful, fulminant infection of the breast that frequently occurs during the course of breast feeding. Infection enters the breast through a milk duct producing pain, swelling and redness of the overlying skin. Streptococcus or the “Golden Staph” is usually the invading micro organism. In the past Erythromycin was the antibiotic of choice. Growing resistance of the “Golden Staph” to Erythromycin means that doctors now prefer Flucloxacillin, in high doses, to be taken four times a day.

Home Remedies
Continue breast feeding during the course of Mastitis and treatment. The stasis of milk in the ducts contributes further to the severity of infection. Pain in the breast is best managed with Brufen. This over the counter Non Steroidal Anti- inflammatory drug (NSAID) is both effective and safe to use whilst breast feeding. Large cabbage leaves worn in the cups of a bra have been found by Tasmanian nursing mothers to relieve the pain of sore and heavy breasts.

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WOMEN’S HEALTH