This post is part of our complete guide on treating engorgement and clogged ducts. Refer back to the guide if you want a complete list of topics covered, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment. If you're specifically interested in understanding whether engorgement or clogged ducts can lead to mastitis, please read on!
Do engorgement and plugged ducts lead to mastitis?
Engorgement and plugged ducts, if not dealt with properly, can lead to mastitis, a painful inflammation of the breast. Like we explain in our dedicated article on relieving engorged breasts, there are several steps you can take when faced with engorged breasts or plugged ducts. For instance you should keep a steady breastfeeding schedule in order to teach your body how much milk to produce and when. This will avoid your body overflowing your breasts with more milk than you can express, the cause of engorgement. Also you can make use of herbal teas designed to relieve engorgement like our very own Unblock Nursing Tea. Lastly you can regularly massage your breasts, either yourself if you know the techniques or with the help of a specialized therapist.
If you still get mastitis, first of all don’t worry: albeit painful it’s a very common condition that many women go through. Your best step is to go see a physician who’ll likely prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication or both. In any case, unless told so by your physician, you should keep breastfeeding your baby when you deal with mastitis. Your milk remains perfectly safe for your baby and breastfeeding is actually one of the most effective remedy for the issue.
So to summarize, do engorgement and plugged ducts lead to mastitis?
- Engorgement and plugged ducts can lead to mastitis if they’re not dealt with properly. To learn what to do if you have engorged breasts or plugged ducts, read our dedicated article on relieving engorged breasts.
- If you have mastitis, go see a physician who’ll best be able to help you. In any case, unless told differently by a doctor, do not stop breastfeeding.
> Back to our complete guide on engorgement and clogged ducts
Article tags: Breastfeeding and maternity
