Motherhood comes with many ups and downs, and mastitis is one of the challenges that mothers can face. Jenna Dewan found herself in this boat recently. The Step Up actress took to Instagram to share some tips for the mamas after experiencing a horrible bout of mastitis. Cleveland Clinic notes, "Mastitis is breast inflammation that can lead to infection. People who are breastfeeding are most likely to get mastitis. You may have a red, swollen, painful breast and flu-like symptoms."
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Jenna was diagnosed with mastitis after giving birth to Rhiannon Lee Kathryn.
Jenna was recently diagnosed with mastitis after having her third child, who was born on June 14, 2024. She shares Rhiannon with fiancé Steve Kazee. After reaching out to her community for support, the mother took to Instagram to share some tips she found to work for her.
Jenna says the experience showed her how mothers can be supportive of one another.
"Now that I’ve survived mastitis I can confidently say… mamas I FEEL you. The amount of times I googled 'will I ever feel better' ," she wrote. "All of your suggestions were amazing, thank you! What an experience to show how powerful and supportive we can all be for each other."
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Here's what worked for her.
Sharing the things that helped her to get through mastitis, Jenna listed, "Cold compresses, cabbage and thinly sliced potatoes after feeds (treats inflammation), hot epsom salt baths to help with the shaking (that part was honestly wild), castor oil on breasts with warm compress over, probiotic 2x a day, vitamin C & E 3x a day, homeopathic remedy hepar sulfur and phytolaca rotating throughout the day, MEDICINE! Ibuprofen and antibiotics, nursing/ pumping, and REST (I know I know who can rest but even little naps helped)."
Moms in the comments were thankful for her openness.
Mothers in the comments were thankful to Jenna for being open.
"Thank you for normalizing breastfeeding and the struggles!" one person wrote.
"Mastitis is no joke!" the Momcozy account commented. "You are doing a great job, Mama! Thanks for sharing and showing the power of support. ."
Other moms shared their own tips.
"Add sunflower lecithin to your daily routine," one mom wrote. "It will thin your milk so clogs are not as common. It was a lifesaver with my second baby."
Another advised: "Fill a diaper with water, microwave for 30 seconds. Was life changing."
One mom also advised to try to treat it before having to take medicine: "Hot washcloth in the microwave. This will loosen it up. I nursed four kids. A boob massage in a hot shower also works wonders. Don’t let it get to where you need antibiotics."
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
