«SI just got back from the dead after a good fever mastitis. Anyone who breastfeeds, or has breastfed, will know what I’m talking about.” As Giulia De Lellis, with a post in his Instagram stories, he said one of the most painful disorders related to breastfeeding. The influencer explained that he spent several days in bed with the high fever and severe breast pain after the birth of his daughter Priscilla. And her testimony rekindles attention on a breast problem that is as widespread as it is often underestimated, which can affect any woman after giving birth. But what exactly is mastitis? What causes it, what are the symptoms and how is it treated? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is mastitis
Mastitis is ainflammation of the mammary gland which can appear during or after breastfeeding. The most common form, called “acute puerperal mastitis”, affects women in the first months after giving birth, but can also occur later. According to theHumanitas Clinical Institute, theThe main causes are the stagnation of milk inside the breast, the dilation of the milk ducts, small lesions on the nipple which favor the entry of bacteria and non-optimal local hygiene. All these factors, combined, can generate an inflammatory process that makes it painful and difficult to continue breastfeeding.
Symptoms: when to worry
The first sign of mastitis is usually the breast pain, which appears red, swollen and hot to the touch. Often the woman also feels a sense of general malaisesimilar to that of a flu syndrome, with chills and fatigue. There fever is a frequent symptom: it can reach around 38 °C but, as in the case reported by Giulia De Lellis, can even reach 39 °C. When the pain increases, the breast remains tense and the fever does not subside, it is advisable to contact the doctor: mastitis not treated promptly can develop into an abscess, i.e. a pocket of pus which sometimes requires minor surgery.
How mastitis is treated
Treatment depends on the severity of the situation. Humanitas explains that in many cases we resort to an antibiotic treatment to eliminate the bacterial infectionassociated with anti-inflammatories or analgesics to reduce pain and fever. The warm compresses before feeding they can help thin the milk, while cold ones after breastfeeding relieve swelling and discomfort. Rest is also important, as it promotes healing and supports the immune system.
Contrary to what one might think, however, breastfeeding can continue: continuing to empty the breast helps reduce stagnation and therefore inflammation, unless otherwise indicated by the doctor.
Prevention: small gestures that make the difference
Preventing mastitis means first of all learning to manage breastfeeding correctly. A Adequate attachment of the newborn to the breast reduces the risk of injury and milk stagnation. It’s useful alternate breasts and empty them completely at each feeding, as well as maintaining accurate local hygiene. Small precautions, but fundamental to avoid the onset of inflammation and painful symptoms.
Why talk about it
The testimony of a public figure like Giulia De Lellis helps to break things up a taboo that many women live in silence. Breastfeeding is often described as a natural and peaceful moment, but it can hide significant physical difficulties. Talking about mastitis means normalizing a common experience, inviting those who suffer from it to ask for help and take care of themselves without feelings of guilt. Because even an act of love like feeding your child can bring challenges that deserve attention, listening and support.
Not just after giving birth
Although the most common form is linked to breastfeeding, mastitis is not an exclusively puerperal disorder. In fact, it can also appear in women who are not breastfeeding, due to bacterial infections, obstructions of the milk ducts or local trauma.. In these cases, the diagnosis and therapy must always be established by the doctor, because mastitis can be a symptom of other pathologies that require specific evaluations.