Should we be avoiding heat on mastitis?
If you’re reading this while nursing, pumping, or thinking about how to ease that soreness in your breast—first, take a deep breath. Mastitis is no fun (we know!), but the good news is that you're not alone, and there are ways to ease the discomfort.
One common question that pops up is: “Is heat bad for mastitis?” After all, hot compresses can be so comforting when dealing with aches and pains. But when it comes to mastitis, should you be reaching for that heating pad, or is that a no-go? Let’s dive in!
What is Mastitis Again?
In case you're not 100% sure what’s going on with your body right now, let’s quickly review. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that often happens to breastfeeding mums. It can come with pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes even a fever. Fun, right? (Sarcasm noted.)
This condition usually happens when milk is not removed efficiently, and the body responds with an immune reaction. The result? A breast that feels like it's on fire and a general feeling of “I just want this to stop.”
Heat and Mastitis: The Basics
Heat is often one of the first things we turn to when something hurts. It feels soothing, increases circulation, and generally makes us feel better. But here’s the scoop: while heat can help in certain stages of mastitis, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
When Heat Can Help
If you’re in the early stages of mastitis (meaning you feel that familiar breast soreness or tightness coming on but aren’t too deep into the painful stage yet), heat can be your best friend. Applying warmth to the area can help increase blood flow, which may help clear any clogged milk ducts. Plus, it feels amazing when everything is aching, right?
Try this:
- Use a warm (not hot!) compress or heat pad before nursing or pumping to help soften the breast and improve milk flow.
- A warm shower before feeding can also be super helpful for relaxing tight, swollen tissue.
When Heat Might Be a Bad Idea
However—and this is important—if you’ve already got full-blown mastitis and your breast is hot, red, and inflamed, then adding more heat might not be the best move. Why? Because too much heat can potentially make the inflammation worse. Think about it: your breast is already battling swelling and inflammation. Adding more heat could fuel the fire, literally!
In these cases, it’s better to swap the heating pad for some gentle cool therapy (hello, cold compresses). This helps bring down the swelling and eases the pain without adding extra heat to the mix.
This is the nuance of the current Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Mastitis protocol #36. They state that whilst some find relief from warm compress for mastitis symptoms, others experience more discomfort. This doesn’t mean we make a blanket ban on warm compress though! We just need to tailor advice to your individual needs.
So, Is Heat Bad for Mastitis?
To sum it up:
- Heat is good in the early stages: It can help get the milk flowing and soothe soreness.
- Heat may not be great if you’re already inflamed: Too much heat can make swelling and pain worse. If this is you, try cold compresses to reduce inflammation.
Other Tips to Soothe Mastitis
While we’re talking about comfort, let’s not stop at heat. Here are a few other tricks that can help ease the discomfort of mastitis while you work to get things under control:
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- Feed or pump regularly: Don’t skip nursing sessions! Emptying the breast frequently is key.
- Massage gently: A consistent massage strategy towards the lymph nodes can be a game changer in reducing pain and swelling. We teach you how to use your hands in the best way in our online courses Mastitis Rescue and Boobology.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep your milk flowing and your body fighting off infection.
- Rest: Easier said than done, we know, but your body needs time to heal!
When to See a Doctor
If you’ve been trying all the tricks—heat, cold, frequent feeding, etc.—and things aren’t getting better, it’s time to call your healthcare provider.
Final Thoughts
Mastitis can make breastfeeding feel like an uphill battle, but remember: it’s temporary, and there are plenty of ways to manage the discomfort. Heat can be helpful at the right time, but knowing when to switch to cold therapy is just as important.
So, next time you’re tempted to reach for that heating pad, just check in with yourself: is this the early twinge of mastitis, or are we deep in inflammation territory? Adjust your care accordingly, and keep up the amazing job you’re doing!
You’ve got this, mama!
Author: Elise Fuller
Osteopath & Your Two Jugs Co-Founder
Elise Fuller & Katie Willy
Osteopaths & Your Two Jugs Co-Founders
Elise & Katie are Melbourne based osteopaths who have been actively treating breastfeeding women in clinic since 2015. During 2020 lockdown they launched Your Two Jugs to educate more mamas about how to treat their own mastitis, blocked ducts and engorgement. Their online video based courses Boobology and Mastitis Rescue is available now with all the techniques we show our mamas in clinic.
Your Two Jugs is passionate about support for mamas from the top. Boob Hero is a comprehensive health care practitioner course to educate manual therapists on their contribution to supporting breastfeeding women with hands on care. Empowerment all starts with education, and the more support available for women, the better.
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