QUESTION: I have mastitis-like symptoms and was wondering if there is any natural treatments for it because I am leery of taking antibiotics while breastfeeding my daughter. I have not had any symptoms of a clogged duct and it is not painful for her to nurse. Is it common to get mastitis without having had a clogged duct?

Michelle,

It can be common for busy moms of older babies to get a touch of mastitis (breast inflammation - Not always bacterial based) -- mom does a lot of upper body work (cleaning etc) -- baby gets distracted easily (doesn't empty breast fully), baby sleeps through the night or misses a feeding. Any or all of the above can lead to mastitis (you can sometimes have a plug deep and not know it).

The cure is the same: rest (do nothing except feed baby and take care of yourself and empty breast) and over 75% can clear up with out medication.
NOTE:  This is for moms with a low grade temp, and slight tenderness and possibly redness in the breast and possibly mild flu like symptoms with this situation I tell moms if your temp shoots up and you feel really bad call the doctor now don't wait (It can hurt nothing to have an antibiotic on hand if mild turns severe in a matter of hours. Remember, each case is individual and I need to talk to each mom to help her evaluate her situation. In most cases over 96% will clear up with rest, empty breast and take an appropriate antibiotic. If you start taking an antibiotic you should finish the full course. Antibiotics have anti-inflammatory properties all there own, you should start feeling better within 24 hour and worlds better by 72 hours. If you feel 100% better after just one dose of the antibiotic, it probably was not caused by a bacteria.

All mastitis and plugged ducts start from the lack of milk movement so no matter what keep it moving and take care of yourself and things will get better much faster.

Good luck

Anne Norton-Krawciw, RPh, IBCLC

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