Mastitis, most often caused by bacteria in the infant’s mouth entering the breast from a cracked nipple, can be very distressing. The breast can be swollen, painful and reddened, sometimes with a bloody discharge from the nipple. Alongside this there may be flu-like symptoms and fatigue. Finally, worsening symptoms may lead to a breast abscess.
Mastitis often responds very well to homeopathic remedies and if given promptly will keep you from having to have antibiotics. In addition to taking the best indicated remedy from the list below, have a good look at ideas for improving the symptoms using natural methods:
Apply hot and cold compresses alternately to the affected breast for 5-10 minutes every few hours to help reduce inflammation.
Increase fluid intake.
Breastfeed often and in a variety of positions.
Massage your breasts as your baby feeds towards the nipple to help clear any blocked ducts.
Feed or express milk in a warm bath to encourage good milk flow.
Lightly bruise the inner leaves of a cabbage with a rolling pin and put them in your bra. Amino acids in the cabbage open capillaries and improve blood flow, which will help relieve congestion.
Remedies
Phytolacca
The most common remedy for mastitis is Phytolacca. This remedy will help if your breast feels hot, full, tender, swollen and heavy, and it may look purplish and be hard to the touch. The pain extends throughout the body from the nipple and feels sharp or shooting - it can even feel like an electric shock. There may be bloody discharge from the nipple and there may be fluey symptoms with heat or chills and aching. This should be the remedy to take at the very first sign of symptoms.
Belladonna
This remedy suits when symptoms come on intensely and suddenly. The breast will be very red and is likely to throb. There may well be feverish symptoms alongside this with a reddened face. Belladonna will only heal if the symptoms are intense with heat and redness - otherwise, Phytolacca is more likely to be your remedy.
Bryonia
With this remedy, the onset of symptoms will have been slower. The breast will be rock hard, extremely sore and you will not want to move a muscle as the slightest movement of the breast will bring on the pain. Alongside this, there may be fluey symptoms and a headache which again, is worse if you move and better if you can keep still. Lastly, the person may feel really thirsty and be rather irritable.
I hope this helps and if you need further advice, please get in touch.
