Though I luckily had easy pregnancies and deliveries, I suffered when it came to breastfeeding. I had plenty of milk, but my breasts developed mastitis with both babies, which made feeding them extremely painful. 

What Is Mastitis?

Mastitis is an infection of the mammary gland’s ducts, usually caused by a blockage of milk. The infection causes inflammation, pain, and the overwhelming urge to NOT breastfeed. But more breastfeeding is exactly what is recommended to clear the blockage and fight the infection. 

Mastitis Home Remedy

One easy home remedy to apply to swollen, sore breasts is cabbage leaves. They’re easy to find at the market, inexpensive, and straightforward to use. Simply soften a cabbage leaf by pounding on it a bit or placing it on your leg and gently smacking it. The goal is to break up the fibrous leaf and soften it. Then, place it directly on the breast. It will feel cool, and quickly it will become warm. Remove it and replace it with another leaf, and so on. This application might last 10 minutes and you’ll need to do it several times daily. But you’ll feel the cooling relief immediately and it will hasten healing. 

In addition to drinking plenty of water, breastfeeding more, and caring for yourself with good food and rest, this is one of the easiest ways to support yourself when you’re dealing with painful mastitis.

#Pregnancy, Mama & Baby, #Home Remedies #Breastfeeding Herbs