04/12/2025
Let’s talk Mastitis! 🥴 Ouch!
💛 Did you know that the rates of Mastitis increase at Christmas time?
💛 It’s really important that we know some of the reasons for this, so that we can plan now to protect ourselves and prevent the risk of getting Mastitis - especially at Christmas time 🎄
Here is some of the reasons for the increase in risk:
⭐️ A change in your usual routine - this can mean anything that’s different to what your typical day with your baby might look like. Christmas is exciting, there’s loads going on, make sure you plan for those changes now in terms of breastfeeding your baby.
⭐️Changes to how often you travel - increased time in the car for baby can mean more sleep for baby, which can mean less feeds!
⭐️Feeling stressed, tired and rundown - Christmas isn’t all joy and fun for some of us it can feel exhausting. When we’re run down, we’re more susceptible to infections like Mastitis.
⭐️A change in sleeping arrangements - do you stay away from home at Christmas? Is it as comfortable as it normally is, to feed in your temporary bed?
⭐️Family pressure and sharing of opinions - are you less comfortable breastfeeding in front of more or certain family members?
⭐️Parties and celebrations - you might be staying away from baby for longer periods of time of Christmas.
⭐️More people to hold and cuddle baby - this can be an amazing break for you but can also result in missed feeding cues.
⭐️ Festive clothing - it’s lovely to get dressed up at Christmas! Consider your clothing and if it’s comfortable on your breasts and still allows for comfortable access for feeding.
‼️Signs to looks at for:
🔴 A hot, painful to touch breast, a feeling of fullness and sometimes a hard lump.
🔴 A change in colour around the area.
🔴Consistent pain in the breast or whilst feeding especially.
🔴Nipple discharge.
🔴 Flu symptoms.
What to do:
✅ Keep feeding as normal - try not to stop.
✅ Apply cold for comfort.
✅ Check babies latch and try various feeding positions for comfort and drainage.
✅ Rest and stay hydrated.
‼️If symptoms don’t improve within 12-24hrs it is vital that you seek medical help - you may need treatment.
Rosie x