INFLAMMATION OF THE BREAST, Abscess; Broken Breast

Categories: Obstetrics or Midwifery

This usually results
from germs. The breast inflames, the milk tubes are choked and distended,

there may be fever. There is sometimes severe local pain, hard swelling

and an abscess forms and if this breaks it is called broken breast.






Treatment, Preventive. Support breast with a binder. The milk should not

be allowed to accumulate and cake. The breasts and nipples should be kept

clean and dr . Breast pump should be used if necessary to get out the

surplus milk. If the lumps continue and are painful, put cold applications

to the breast. Have child nurse at the other breast. If it continues and

will suppurate, apply moist heat, such as fomentations or poultices, and

then open thoroughly. Poke root makes a splendid poultice for caked

breasts. I have great faith in it. At the same time I give of the tincture

one drop doses every hour. It is a splendid remedy and the poultice and

remedy frequently stop the trouble. Inflammation of the breasts sometimes

occurs in babies, generally in the first weeks. The swelling can be

reduced by mild rubbing with warm carbolized oil used every day. Do not

rub hard enough to hurt the baby. After the rubbing, absorbent cotton with

carbolized oil should be applied and cover all with a thick layer of

cotton held on with adhesives. If the breasts form pus they must be

opened.



MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Sore Breasts, a Never-Failing Remedy for. "Take a

pint of raw linseed oil and four ounces tincture of camphor, mix and apply

a cloth saturated in the liniment to the affected parts, taking care that

the whole surface of the inflamed parts is covered with the liniment. When

the breasts become swollen or painfully inflamed, apply the liniment often

to prevent gathering." Even if they have gathered it is an excellent

outward application. It allays pain, is extremely soothing and seldom

fails to effect a cure.



2. Swollen Breasts, an Herb Treatment for. "Chamomile flowers one ounce,

marshmallow roots one ounce, bruise and boil in one quart of water down to

a pint. Foment the breast with this liquor as hot as can be borne; and

then place the flowers and roots in a cloth and apply as a poultice."



3. Sore Breasts, a Hot Poultice for. "Apply hot pancakes made of sour

milk, saleratus and wheat flour, large enough to cover affected parts.

Keep them changed often enough, so they will not be cold. This is an

excellent remedy to steam out the inflammation." This is an old tried

remedy and one to be relied upon. The steaming relieves the swelling and

inflammation and gives relief quickly.



4. Caked Breasts, Fresh Hops for. "Fry one pint of fresh hops in a half

cup of lard until the lard is a rich brown, then strain, set away to cool

and use as a salve."



5. Sore Breasts, a Poultice of Peach Leaves for. "Take enough peach tree

leaves to mix well with meal and water to the consistency of a poultice."

This poultice should be applied hot, but should only be used in cases

where the breast has matter or pus in it.



MOTHERS' REMEDIES. l. Sore Nipples, a Good Wash for. "Brandy and water

mixed together and put on the nipples will harden them but should be

washed off before the child nurses. If they are cracked, apply glycerin

with starch, or arnica ointment."



2. Sore Nipples, Good Family Ointment for. "Four ounces of white wax, one

ounce bayberry wax, three ounces of spermaceti, one pint olive oil. Mix

briskly over a slow fire, taking care to stir it briskly until cool." This

is an excellent ointment for mothers when troubled with sore nipples; it

moistens the skin and forms a coating. It is good for dry, scurvy, chapped

hands, blotches on the face and all sores which require a mild ointment,

but should be assisted with internal remedies when the case requires it.