Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Redness is not a reliable sign of mastitis⠀

I hear the breath catch in your throat, of course, it is you think! ⠀

But is it? I ask you.⠀
You’ve read it in all the online info you accessed for your own #breastfeeding journey. ⠀
You’ve read it in all the textbooks you used to study to help lactating parents. ⠀
Yet this diagnostic indictor (redness) doesn’t work for everyone. ⠀

For a large group of people, it’s unhelpful and even damaging to their health. ⠀
The reason why is ‘text book’ version of mastitis centres the experience of lighter skin tones. ⠀
When those supporting parents with feeding difficulties, focus on signs of redness to assess for mastitis, parents with darker skin tones are at a disadvantage. ⠀

More universal indicators of mastitis are heat, soreness, localised swelling that is often hard, & generally feeling unwell.⠀

Now you know, what other things might you need to double-check are universal?



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article sponsered by Northern Michigan certified lactation consulting and Mother Hubbards Country Cupboard

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