Mastitis During Breastfeeding

Mastitis during lactation causes considerable discomfort to mothers and carries a risk of early abandonment of breastfeeding. The research presented in this book studies different aspects of the phenomenon of mastitis during lactation. Results showed that many women with potential pathogens in their breast milk recovered spontaneously from mastitis and that the division of mastitis into infective and non-infective forms may not be practically feasible. Care interventions may help women to withstand symptoms and await the bodys own anti-inflammatory response and may make possible a substantial reduction in the use of antibiotics for these mothers. Careful daily follow-up of symptoms should be carried out to identify those who do not improve and who therefore need antibiotics. Availability of immediate clinical expertise was an important factor for care. Results of the research in this book will aid midwives, medical practitioners, nurses and lactation consultants in providing evidence-based care for mothers with lactational mastitis and will provide information to breastfeeding women on which care they should expect.