Breastfeeding should be a joyful experience but mastitis, engorgement, and blocked ducts can be painful, debilitating and stressful and can result in difficulties such as milk production and baby’s latching.
What is mastitis / engorgement?
Mastitis/ blocked ducts is swelling in the breast tissue. Milk leaks from porous milk ducts into the surrounding breast tissue. It occurs at times of oversupply (when the baby is born, going through a growth spurt and when weaning). Breastfeeding and expressing milk will relieve the inflammation and discomfort. Any excess fluid left in the breast can be removed via lymph and venous drainage.
Symptoms:
- breast firmness
- redness
- pain
- with or without flu-like symptoms (headaches, aching body fever)
How can we help you?
At Physiohealth Women’s we use evidence-based assessment and treatment techniques to address lactation concerns. This includes:
- Assessing the affected area and prescribing an individualised management and treatment
- Using treatment ultrasound on the inflamed area
- Teaching lymphatic and venous drainage techniques
- Taping techniques
- Positioning of mother and baby while feeding
For best outcomes, our physiotherapists work as part of a multi-disciplinary team with doctors, midwives and lactation consultants to help women get the best possible outcomes.
If you have noticed any breast firmness, redness, pain with or without flu-like symptoms (headaches, aching body fever), contact Physiohealth Women’s today. We prioritise any mastitis and lactation concerns to ensure same-day appointments or home- visits if required.
