During the period of breastfeeding her baby, the mother may experience problems that will disrupt the breastfeeding process. Where one of the problems that can be experienced by breastfeeding mothers is mastitis. The following is an explanation of the causes of mastitis in nursing mothers.
Causes of Mastitis
Mastitis is a condition commonly experienced by breastfeeding mothers, wherein this condition makes the tissue in the breasts abnormally swollen and inflamed. Mastitis problems are usually more often experienced by nursing mothers who have just given birth for a few months or while breastfeeding their children.
Apart from breastfeeding mothers, mastitis can also be experienced by women who have not given birth and have menopause. The cause of this one condition could be due to an infection in the breast duct or it could be without infection. Breasts that have this problem usually look swollen, painful and red in color. Not only that, this condition can also cause sufferers to have fever and chills.
In addition, there are several other things that can cause mastitis in nursing mothers, such as the following.
There is a blockage in the milk ducts
Breast milk goes through a long process before it comes out of the mother’s nipple and is sucked by the little one. The milk that is produced will be flowed through the milk ducts to the nipples. It’s just that, the milk channel will not always be smooth. Under certain conditions, the milk ducts can become blocked which will cause a buildup of milk in the breasts.
If the accumulation of milk in the breasts increases, the risk of experiencing inflammation is higher. This is because the accumulated milk can cause pressure to appear.
Blockage problems in the milk ducts will not occur without a cause. The milk ducts can become blocked due to the baby’s sucking on the milk that does not stick properly to the nipple while feeding, which can lead to mastitis.
In addition, the baby’s habit of breastfeeding only on one side of the breast can cause blockage of the milk ducts. This is because the milk that is continuously produced does not come out because there is no suction from the little one. So that the milk will experience a buildup on one side of the breast, which in turn will cause a blockage of the milk flow. Not only that, but congestion in the breast can also be caused by the breasts not being completely empty when breastfeeding.
Also read: How to deal with blistered nipples while breastfeeding
Presence of Bacterial Infection
Apart from a blockage in the milk ducts, mastitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection. On the skin, bacteria are common, but they are not harmful. It’s just that, if the bacteria on the skin penetrates the skin it can cause infection. Bacterial infections that can cause mastitis will enter the breast tissue due to damage to the area around the nipple.
Blockage of milk in the milk ducts can also cause infection. However, if the condition of the milk is good and fresh, bacterial breeding will not occur.
Any problem or damage to the nipples and aeroles can also cause mastitis problems. This can be caused by improper suction when your little one is breastfeeding. In addition, the wrong position when you pump your breasts can also cause mastitis.
The bacteria that can cause mastitis can move from your little one’s mouth while breastfeeding. Especially if there is a wound on the nipple. So that the bacteria will easily enter which will cause mastitis.
Mastitis Conditions Apart from Breastfeeding Mothers
Apart from some of the causes mentioned above, there are other things that can cause mastitis. Apart from breastfeeding mothers, mastitis can also be experienced by a woman who is not breastfeeding. Whether it’s women who are not married or women who have experienced menopause. For women who have not given birth and who have not breastfed it is called periductal mastitis. Mastitis can be caused because there is an infection in the breast.
Where this breast infection begins at the bottom of the nipple, chronic inflammation occurs. This can cause sore, injured nipples and even fissures. Conditions like this will allow bacteria to easily enter. Mastitis is usually experienced by women aged 20 to 30 years.
For the condition of mastitis experienced by women entering or already menopause is called ductal ectasia mastitis. This condition is caused because with age the nipple ducts get wider and shorter. This condition can cause irritation.
Characteristics of Mastitis in Nursing Mothers
Mastitis usually occurs on one breast. However, it is possible that both breasts can experience it. It is very important for breastfeeding mothers to know the symptoms of mastitis so that they can be handled quickly and easily.
Symptoms of mastitis at the beginning of its appearance are almost similar to flu symptoms. Where the body will feel chills, chills can even cause fever. However, there are some breastfeeding mothers who don’t experience it. Well, besides that, there are several other symptoms of mastitis that breastfeeding mothers may experience, such as the following.
Swollen Breasts
Swollen breasts are easily detectable symptoms of mastitis. The part of your breasts is certainly well recognized, be it size or shape. When you are breastfeeding, the breast size will indeed become bigger. It’s just that, the breast size that changes is not the same as the swelling caused by mastitis.
A lump appears on the breast
In addition, the swelling that you experience in your breasts can also be accompanied by the appearance of a lump. A lump in the breast that is a symptom of masititis is caused by thickening of the breast tissue.
Red Breasts
Swollen and lumpy breasts can become more pronounced with a change in color in the breasts, where the breasts become red like a rash. When you touch the breast, even in some areas it feels hot.
Feels Pain in the Breast
Due to the swelling of the breasts and the appearance of a lump, your breasts with mastitis will feel hot and painful. When you are breastfeeding your little one, the pain will get worse, as well as when you touch your breast.
Itching in the breast
Another symptom is itching in the breast. In the area of your breasts, you will experience an itching sensation which of course will make you feel uncomfortable.
There is a wound
Mastitis conditions caused by bacterial infection can occur due to a small gap or wound in the nipple. Apart from the nipples, cuts or gaps can also be found in the breast area around the nipple. Where the pre
sence of these wounds will cause bacteria to easily enter your breasts which in turn will cause mastitis problems.
There is a red line on the breast
Breast conditions that experience swelling, red lines may appear on the breast. This condition occurs because the tissue in the breast is inflamed.
This is information about the causes of mastitis and some of the symptoms of mastitis that breastfeeding mothers can experience. Hope it is useful.
