Causes of fever during lactation

We will see the main causes of fever in lactation, although by definition the fever is that which exceeds 37.8 ºC, we will try to treat all those cases in which there is an elevation of the body temperature of the nursing mother. 5 causes of fever during breastfeeding 1. Milk rise: It is an importan

We will see the main causes of fever in lactation, although by definition the fever is that which exceeds 37.8 ºC, we will try to treat all those cases in which there is an elevation of the body temperature of the nursing mother.

5 causes of fever during breastfeeding

1. Milk rise: It is an important increase in the vascularization of the breasts and as a consequence the breasts are for about three hot days, increased in size and somewhat hardened. It may be normal to have some fever, less than 38 ° C, and it is also normal that, while the milk rises, you have soft breasts after taking them but after a few minutes they are hard again.

2. Common disease: A cold, flu, or any infectious process that in any condition can cause fever. Nursing mothers are not immune, so they will have a fever if they get it.

3. Mastitis: It is an area of ​​the red, indurated and hot chest, even painful to the touch or to the minimum friction of the clothes. Tremors, fever higher than 38.5 ° C (less is not considered mastitis), significant discomfort, feeling of weakness, fatigue and important decay. Sometimes, the mother does not feel able to hold her baby in her arms.

4. Obstruction: An obstruction feels like a hard and painful lump in some quadrant of a breast, but it is not hot or red. The most common area where it usually occurs is in the upper quadrant that touches the armpit. It may be accompanied by low-grade fever (temperature below 37.8ºC) and malaise. But if it is not considered mastitis, since the bacterial dysbiosis involved is mild and can be treated easily.

5. Urine infection: It is quite frequent that in the immediate postpartum period the mothers present a urinary infection, this can cause high fever (more than 38ºC). The cause is usually dehydration (we forget that we should drink plenty of liquid, because we are "immersed" in the care of our baby); manipulations of the urethra in labor (women who opt for an epidural anesthesia are done every 4 hours approximately a bladder catheter, to empty bladder), they are more prone to urinary tract infections.

How breastfeeding influences breastfeeding

The big question that many nursing mothers ask themselves is: If I have a fever, can I breastfeed? There is no scientific evidence to say that it is necessary to suspend the breast if the mother has a fever, not even with a high fever.

In fact, some processes that cause fever such as mastitis are resolved by emptying the breast, and there is nothing more effective than sucking the baby.

To lower the fever, you can always count on the physical measures: remove your clothes, baths with warm water ... Alternate ibuprofen and paracetamol are safe, they will lower your fever and discomfort. Probiotics are effective, in cases of infection.

There are many antibiotics and medications compatible with breastfeeding. It is advisable that you always ask your doctor before taking an antibiotic or any other medicine.