Midwife Edwina shares her expert advice to manage mastitis
Around one in five Australian mothers who breastfeed will develop mastitis and it's most common in the first four to six weeks after birth.
Mastitis is simply a blocked duct. According to Edwina Shurrock, midwife and founder of Birth Beat, a blocked breast duct can make you unwell really quickly.
"If you're feeling fluey or if you have a temperature and are feeling generally unwell, go to the breast and have a look," she advises.
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Mastitis is very common among new mothers Getty Images/iStockphoto
"That's what I say to all new mums because that could be the source of infection and can make you feel really unwell really quickly. If there any signs of redness, swelling or heat, it's important to massage from the back forward to the nipple to try and unblock that duct."
The most important thing, urges Edwina, is that you continue feeding.
And if it's causing you pain or you have a significant temperature it's essential you visit your GP or the emergency department.
For all of Edwina's advice about breastfeeding and mastitis, watch the video above.
