A very common condition in breastfeeding women is mastitis- an inflammation of the breast tissue, sometimes involving an infection.

Common signs and symptoms include:
Redness
Swelling
Pain
Flu like symptoms
Fevers

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Do not:

Use heat/ heat packs
Massage the affected area harshly

Stop feeding

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What to do:

Think about your inflamed breast the same way you would an acute sprained ankle. It is full of heat and swelling already. The first line of treatment for an ankle sprain is RICE-
REST
ICE
COMPRESS
ELEVATE

The best treatment options for mastitis include:
Cold compress

Rest
Gentle stretches (your women's health physio will instruct you on the appropriate ones)

Ultrasound over the affected tissue - we can provide this for you!
A course of Qiara probiotics
Continue feeding/pumping from the affected breast 

As always, it is best to get in contact with your women's health Physio who will provide you with individualised treatment options and can discuss your options for preventing mastitis into the future.

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