Does acute mastitis require daily milk expression?

Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
Updated on October 28, 2024
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If acute mastitis is severe, breastfeeding is not advisable, and it is necessary to express milk daily. Prevention of acute mastitis is more important than treatment, especially during breastfeeding periods where it is crucial to keep the nipples clean. Frequently wash them with warm soapy water and clean the nipples before and after breastfeeding with 3% boric acid solution. For those with inverted nipples, gently extract the nipple before cleaning; however, do not use ethanol wipes as ethanol can make the nipple and areola skin brittle, which can lead to cracking. Develop good breastfeeding habits, nurse regularly, and ensure that the milk is thoroughly drawn out each time. If unable to completely draw out the milk, use hand massage to express it or a breast pump. Additionally, do not let the baby sleep with the nipple in their mouth. If there is nipple damage or cracking, stop breastfeeding and use a breast pump to express the milk until the wound heals, and then resume breastfeeding.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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What IV drip is used for acute mastitis?

For the treatment of acute mastitis at the hospital, it usually involves blood tests to observe the blood picture. We look at whether the white blood cells and neutrophils are elevated. When these levels are elevated, doctors will recommend the use of antibiotics, which are commonly referred to as anti-inflammatory injections, but are actually antimicrobial drugs, targeting bacteria. The treatment mainly involves cephalosporins, and some may use fluoroquinolones, or even add anti-anaerobic bacteria drugs like metronidazole or tinidazole. How to use these specifically should definitely be under the guidance of a specialist. For instance, fluoroquinolones such as levofloxacin should not be used by individuals under 18 years old; instead, cephalosporins or erythromycin should be preferred.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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The causes of acute mastitis include

The causes of mastitis are firstly bacterial invasion and secondly the accumulation of milk. The accumulation of milk mainly occurs during breastfeeding, due to the position of holding the child or unintentional bumps by the child, which cause damage to the milk ducts, constriction of the ducts, leading to a large amount of milk being trapped inside the ducts. Since milk is an excellent culture medium, it results in bacterial growth. Bacterial invasion usually occurs through cracked or fissured nipples, allowing bacteria to enter the milk ducts and into the breast tissue, causing mastitis. Another situation is a decrease in the body's immune system, for example, due to poor sleep or emotional stress. These are the main causes of acute mastitis.

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Written by Zhang Chao Jie
Breast Surgery
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Does acute mastitis require weaning?

In most cases of acute mastitis, it is not necessary to wean. However, weaning is mandatory when acute mastitis is accompanied by high fever, abscess, or nipple ulceration. Other than these conditions, it is often sufficient to temporarily stop breastfeeding from the inflamed breast for a few days. After treatment, breastfeeding can usually continue. During this temporary cessation, the milk from the affected breast should be expressed and discarded. Breastfeeding can continue with the other breast. Therefore, weaning is not easily recommended for acute mastitis.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
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Does acute mastitis require daily milk expression?

If acute mastitis is severe, breastfeeding is not advisable, and it is necessary to express milk daily. Prevention of acute mastitis is more important than treatment, especially during breastfeeding periods where it is crucial to keep the nipples clean. Frequently wash them with warm soapy water and clean the nipples before and after breastfeeding with 3% boric acid solution. For those with inverted nipples, gently extract the nipple before cleaning; however, do not use ethanol wipes as ethanol can make the nipple and areola skin brittle, which can lead to cracking. Develop good breastfeeding habits, nurse regularly, and ensure that the milk is thoroughly drawn out each time. If unable to completely draw out the milk, use hand massage to express it or a breast pump. Additionally, do not let the baby sleep with the nipple in their mouth. If there is nipple damage or cracking, stop breastfeeding and use a breast pump to express the milk until the wound heals, and then resume breastfeeding.

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Written by Lin Yang
Breast Surgery
42sec home-news-image

How should acute mastitis be treated?

Firstly, it is essential to prevent the accumulation of milk and avoid damage to the nipples while keeping them clean. After each breastfeeding, wash the nipples with soap. If the nipples are inverted, frequently squeeze and pull them to correct this. It is important to establish a regular breastfeeding schedule to prevent the baby from sleeping without releasing the nipple. Each breastfeeding session should drain the milk completely; if there is any accumulation, massage or use a breast pump to extract all the milk. After breastfeeding, clean the nipples. If there is any damage or cracking on the nipples, timely treatment is necessary. For the care of the baby's oral cavity, local heat application and massage can be provided.