Mastitis can be a real challenge for many breastfeeding mums – we are here to help support and guide you through it.

Mastitis is a common inflammatory condition that can occur during lactation and up to 30% of lactating mothers (Australia) will experience painful mastitis.

Mastitis is now considered a SPECTRUM of conditions resulting from narrowing of milk ducts, swelling and inflammation.

The main drivers of mastitis are ‘dysbiosis’ (imbalance of good and bad bacteria) and hyperlactation (over supply of breastmilk).

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Mastitis Protocol 2022 recommends:

• Breastfeed normally but do not favour the infected side.
• Wear a supportive bra to help reduce swelling.
• Breastfeeding and breastmilk is safe with mastitis. 
• Stop feeding or pumping is no milk is flowing, the swelling must improve first. 
• Use ice/cold compresses instead – as heat can worsen the inflammation!
• Do not aggressively massage or squeeze the breast.
• You can take over the counter pain medication.
• You can take breastfeeding probiotics to both relieve symptoms and reduce occurrence of mastitis through addressing dysbiosis of the breastmilk microbiome. 
• Contact your healthcare provider if you do not feel better in 24 hours. 

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s Mastitis Guidelines have recognised that supporting the breastmilk microbiome is a key component to protecting mums from mastitis, which is important because we know that the risk of mastitis development is increased 25 times when antibiotics have been required during labour.

Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding may help to relieve or reduce breast pain and discomfort associated with mastitis and provide mastitis relief during breastfeeding.

Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 has been acknowledged as a potent, evidence-based treatment and preventative measure for mastitis – a woman’s breast friend!

For over a decade, Qiara has been a trusted companion for breastfeeding mothers, supporting them through the challenges of mastitis and its symptoms.

Click here to learn more about how Qiara Pregnancy & Breastfeeding can support you!

Image courtesy of @nitellemedia