1. Continue to Breastfeed/Pump

Don’t be scared to continue breastfeeding or pumping from that breast. In fact, you should continue feeding at your regular schedule to prevent further milk stasis in the affected breast. While it is important to drain the breast, please don’t go crazy and start pumping repeatedly. Excessively pumping can cause further trauma and inflammation of the breast.

It is important to note that the feeling of fullness/heaviness in your breast is a result of inflammation and not from being full of milk. So, while pumping or breastfeeding, don’t be surprised if you only have a little milk.

2. Massage

You shouldn’t aggressively massage your breast and try to “break down” blocked ducts. Breast tissue is not a muscle. It is very delicate tissue, so aggressively massaging the area with deep and hard pressure can trigger more inflammation and pain. Gently massage the breast and surrounding tissues, to reduce swelling and pain.

Avoid massaging towards your nipple. Instead, massage away from your nipple toward your armpit to stimulate your lymphatic system. Swelling/congestion due to mastitis cannot be cleared from the nipple, as the congestion is not within your breast ducts but in the surrounding tissues.

3. Hot and Cold

You can use either mild heat or cold to provide you with some pain relief. Try both and see what feels best for you.

4. Pain Relief Medication

Speak to your pharmacist for recommendations about anti-inflammatory pain relief medications. 

5. Consult with a Specially Trained Physical Therapist

Our physical therapists are specially trained to treat mastitis! As mentioned above, mastitis is an inflammation of your breast tissues. Therefore, treating this condition is aimed at reducing inflammation.

Our therapists use a variety of techniques to reduce your inflammation and in turn your swelling and pain. Interventions typically include:

• hands-on techniques, such as myofascial release and lymphatic drainage

• individualized exercises to address any postural and flexibility issues

• education to address the underlying causes and prevent future mastitis episodes

To see how one of our physical therapists can help treat your mastitis, please click below.