Probiotics for Mastitis?

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) is an international organization of physicians dedicated to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding.

One of the areas of research that the ABM focuses on is the use of probiotics for the treatment of mastitis.

Mastitis is a common condition among breastfeeding women that is characterized by inflammation of the breast tissue, often accompanied by pain, swelling, and redness.

Probiotics have been studied as a complementary treatment for mastitis. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when consumed in adequate amounts, provide a health benefitby restoring the balance of bacteria in the body and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria, which can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

The ABM recommends the use of certain strains of probiotics for the treatment of mastitis. Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius are two probiotic strains that have been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of mastitis and improving the overall health of breastfeeding women.

A study published in the Journal of Women's Health found that women who received Lactobacillus fermentum had a significant reduction in the severity of mastitis symptoms, including pain, swelling, and redness. Another study published in the Journal of Human Lactation found that women who received Lactobacillus salivarius had a shorter duration of mastitis symptoms compared to women who did not receive the probiotic.

Overall, the ABM recommends the use of Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactobacillus salivarius in consultation with a healthcare provider for the treatment of mastitis, either alone or in combination with antibiotics.

If you are concerned that you may have mastitis, contact your healthcare provider for treatment and connect with a Thrive Lactation Consultant to manage your symptoms and develop a plan to help prevent future occurrences.