Question

8. Sara, a primiparous breastfeeding mother at 2 weeks postpartum, calls her nurse-midwife to tell her that her right breast is painful and she’s not “feeling well.” – 3 Points
   1. Explain the assessment findings the nurse-midwife would be alert for to indicate whether Sara is experiencing mastitis.
   2. Describe the treatment measures and health teaching that Sara needs regarding her infection and breastfeeding, since she wishes to continue to breastfeed.

Identify several behaviors that Sara should learn to prevent recurrence of mastitis

Answer 1

Mastitis

Mastitis is the inflammation of a breast. It is the infection and inflammation of breast tissues characterised by the symptoms such as;

*Swelling

*redness

* pain on the affected breast

* warmth

* fever and chills

* fatigue

Mastitis may cause due to a blocked milk duct and bacterial invasions . It is mainly seen in women who are in breast feeding.

Assessment findings

Assessment of signs and symptoms should done through a thorough physical examination and by asking to patient about her condition and feelings.

* Assessment reveals redness , swelling, warmth over affected breast , pain, fever and chills.

* Culture of a sample of breast milk

* If symptoms persist, even after antibiotic therapy, breast biopsy and mammogram may recommend by physicians.

Treatment measures

* Antibiotics ( Cephalexin)

* Analgesics to relieve the pain .

example: ibuprofen, acetaminophen

health teaching

- Continue the breast feeding, helps to clear the infection

- Massage the breast while feeding towards the affected areas

- Position for breastfeeding should vary

- infection will not affect baby as the pathogen may come from baby's mouth.

- breast pump can be used, if needed, to relieve the pressure and empty the breast.

- A warm bath or a warm compress application before feeding gives a relief.

- In case of abscess from breast, she has to avoid feeding from the particular breast.

How to prevent recurrence of mastitis

Sara has to ;

- allow her baby to empty the breast then only move to the next breast.

- baby's mouth should be attached properly with the breast

- Make sure to drain the milk fully from the breast while feeding.

- Avoid smoking and alcoholism

- Keep the nipple, areola and the breast clean