Abordaje fisioterapéutico de la mastitis y el dolor mamario durante la lactancia materna

Objectives

Mastitis and breast pain are common issues that affect the breastfeeding experience of many women. In this study, the physiotherapeutic approach undertaken in the baby, promoting proper breast drainage for managing mastitis and breast pain during lactation, is described.

Materials and methods

A pilot study was conducted with a sample of breastfeeding women who presented mastitis and breast pain. An assessment and treatment were carried out through physiotherapy in the baby at the musculoskeletal level of the cervical, cranial, oral, and temporomandibular joint regions. Specific physiotherapeutic techniques were applied to the baby to improve breastfeeding biomechanics and thereby promote proper milk drainage.

Results

Improvements in mastitis symptoms and breast pain were observed after physiotherapeutic intervention. Out of the total sample (30 cases), 17 (56.7%) reported pain during breastfeeding at the time of assessment. Additionally, in these cases of pain, mastitis was present in 35.3%. After physiotherapy treatment, these symptoms disappeared in the mother, being significant with a p-value < 0.001.

Discussion

This study examines how physiotherapy, by improving biomechanics and baby function during breastfeeding, can facilitate proper breast drainage and effectively help resolve mastitis and breast pain. Further studies are needed to evaluate the resolution time of mastitis with physiotherapeutic therapy combined with other treatments.

Conclusions

The results of this study could support the integration of physiotherapy into the multidisciplinary approach to breastfeeding women's care, in managing mastitis and breast pain during lactation, thus improving their breastfeeding experience and overall well-being.