Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast, most often caused by milk stasis (milk not moving effectively through the breast). When milk builds up, it can leak into the surrounding tissue and trigger inflammation.
If left untreated, it can progress to infection—but caught early, there is so much you can do to support your body and move through it with care.
And no—mastitis does not mean you stop feeding. In fact, keeping milk moving (gently) is key to healing.
Last week, I felt those familiar early signs—a red patch, a bit of tenderness, and by the next morning, a hard lump.
I don’t reach for ibuprofen or antibiotics unless I truly need them, so I leaned into the tools I trust to support my body gently—and within three days, it had completely cleared.
Here’s what I used:
I used Curar homeopathic blends, choosing the remedy that matched my symptoms best.
For me, that’s either Belladonna (if the mastitis feels hot, red, and comes on quickly), or Phytolacca (if the breast feels bruised, lumpy, and the pain radiates).
These two remedies can be incredibly supportive—but it’s about finding the one that fits your presentation, not rotating between both. (More info on that below.)
We used to suggest heat before a feed—but mastitis is inflammation, and heat can actually make things worse. I used Bare Mum’s cool inserts, and they offered incredible relief.
I used Inbound Nature Liposomal Vitamin C—and it’s something I’d recommend all breastfeeding mamas have on hand.
Liposomal vitamin C is different from regular vitamin C. It’s encapsulated in liposomes (tiny fat bubbles), which means it’s absorbed more effectively by the body and can reach your cells faster, giving your immune system the boost it needs when you’re fighting inflammation.
It also contains sunflower lecithin, which is worth a special mention when it comes to mastitis. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier—it helps break down fats, keeping breast milk less sticky and more fluid. It’s often recommended to help with recurrent blocked ducts or milk stasis, as it can support smoother milk flow and reduce the chance of new blockages forming.
So in one product, you’re supporting your immune system, lymphatic system, and milk flow—gently and effectively.
Gone are the days of digging into blockages or squeezing the breast hard. I used Mammae’s Bosom Elixir and followed their Bosom Ritual™ Protocol—a gentle lymphatic massage sequence that supports healing without aggravation.
And of course, I continued feeding on demand to keep milk flowing—without increasing frequency or overstimulating the breast.
This is an important shift in the way we think about mastitis.
In the past, mums were told to pump or feed more frequently to clear a “blockage”—but we now know that overfeeding can actually increase inflammation.
The recommendation now is to continue normal feeding patterns, with good positioning and latch, and avoid overstimulation that might make things worse.
If baby is feeding well and the breast is being drained comfortably, trust that.
Let feeding be supportive, not stressful.
Here’s a general guide to help you pick the right remedy for your symptoms:
Still unsure? A quick chat with a homeopath can help point you in the right direction. My go-to is Kerri Brydon.
I want to say a special thank you to our friend Erin from Mammae for being such a passionate advocate for breast health and for helping shine a light on updated, evidence-based care for breastfeeding mothers.
Thanks to their continued education and resources, more of us are becoming aware of The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s (ABM) revised mastitis protocol—a shift that changes everything we once thought we knew.
Mastitis is an inflammatory condition and yet, so much of the old advice—warm compresses, aggressive massage, frequent pumping—can actually make things worse.
While many forums and guides still suggest heat for relief, recent research shows that heat can intensify inflammation by increasing blood flow to an already inflamed area.
Instead, we now know that cool therapy is key. Cooling the breast helps reduce inflammation, soothe pain, and support healing.
We also now understand the importance of gentle manual lymphatic drainage over deep tissue massage. This involves lightly sweeping the skin from the nipple outward toward the armpit, encouraging drainage and calming the tissue.
If you’re curious to learn more, Mammae’s Bosom Ritual™ Protocol offers a beautifully clear, step-by-step guide to safe and supportive breast massage during mastitis. Their multi award-winning Bosom Elixir is a staple in my kit—and many other mothers I know swear by it.
Please don’t wait if something feels wrong.
While many cases of early mastitis can be supported naturally, sometimes antibiotics or medication are necessary.
Seek support if you:
There is no shame in needing medical help. Trust your instincts—you know your body best.
If you’re breastfeeding or preparing to, here’s what I suggest having on hand:
✔️ Cool compresses – Bare Mum inserts are my favourite
✔️ Curarco Homeopathic blends – Belladonna or Phytolacca
✔️ Inbound Nature Liposomal Vitamin C
✔️ Mammae Bosom Elixir + their Bosom Ritual™ Protocol
Mastitis is your body’s way of asking you to slow down. Support it with gentle care, cool relief, nourishment, rest, and hydration.
If you’re unsure or your symptoms aren’t improving, always reach out to your midwife, IBCLC, or healthcare provider. Mastitis can escalate quickly and may require antibiotics, so it’s important to monitor your body closely.
Ibuprofen is often recommended to help manage inflammation, but it’s something I personally keep as a last resort. By catching and supporting mastitis early, you can often prevent it from progressing further.
I hope this journal brings you a bit of clarity, calm, and support—whether you’re in the thick of it or just preparing for what’s ahead.
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We acknowledge the maternal wisdom passed down through matrilineal lines across all cultures, embracing the knowledge and traditions shared between women for millennia. From Crone to Maga, Mother to Maiden.
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