Jenna Dewan uses raw potatoes for this new mother problem

The actress and new mother Jenna Dewan keeps it real when it comes to sharing her postpartum trip. The star of The rookie Went on Instagram to share the good, bad and ugly parts of the greeting of her third child, the daughter Rhiannon.

One of them contains suffering from an often painful, quiet -related state, which is referred to as mastitis. A natural remedy that helps her are raw potato slices, according to her Instagram contribution.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue and occurs in up to 20% of people.

“Mastitis can be triggered by clogged or clogged milk channels and prayer cups,” says Jessica Madden, MD, IBCLC, board development, neonatologist, lactation consultant and medical director of Aeroflow Bribumps. “Cracks can also lead to mastitis by being able to enter bacteria into the breast tissue.”

The disease “leads to localized sensitivity, swelling, warmth and redness,” says Dr. Madden and adds that fever, chills and other flu -like symptoms can often be observed in those affected.

Some people may need antibiotics, depending on the severity.

Can you of course educate mastitis?

Many people opt for remedies at home to deal with mastitis.

“There are many home remedies that can help reduce inflammation,” says Janence Molinuevo, Aprn, CNM, CBE, a midwife at high -ranking health in Ohio.

In Dewan’s case, she put raw potato slices on her chest to help with her condition. And this is not the first time that she tried that. In a post in August 2024, the three -person mother (she also has a son, Callum and a daughter, Everly) shared a photo of her that she again used with raw potato slices.

It also opened to try several other non-invasive treatments for their mastitis, including the use of cold and warm compresses, castor oil and cabbage leaves in the affected area as well as bitter salt. In her post, she also mentioned that she also took antibiotics.

The commentators of Dewans Post shared their own means, including the use of sunflower lecithin and ultrasonic therapy – and even an electrical toothbrush to massage the area.

But do these treatments actually work?

Molinuevo explains that raw potatoes have anti -inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and reddening. Cabbage leaves can also help relieve the symptoms. However, these methods do not treat infection.

It is also important to note how Dr. Madden emphasizes: “Medically recommends the academy of breastfeeding, in its latest guidelines for the treatment of mastitis to apply topical products to the chest does not reach coal leaves, potato slices, etc. ”

While some people swear by measures that Dewan shared, says Demi Lucas, IBCLC with the lactation network Parents That the latest protocol of the academy of breastfeeding of medicine recommends that the affected breast affected to reduce inflammation and ensure relief.

Dr. Madden also says: “We used to recommend warmth for mastitis. We now use it economical because it can actually increase blood flow to the affected area of ​​the breast and make inflammation and pain worse. ”

Other mastitis treatment

Some other possible mastitis treats:

• Relax
• Feed your baby on request
• Anti -inflammatory pain relievers, as recommended by your provider
• Regular drainage of the breast when pumping
• Change your common care positions or show the baby’s chin on the clogged channel
• Healthy eating decisions
• Many liquids
• Wear a supportive and well -fitting bra
• Therapeutic breast massage

Lucas also emphasizes: “If a breastfeeding individual stops breastfeeding or removing milk due to the pain, this can exacerbate the condition.”

When does mastitis require antibiotics?

An improvement within 24 hours can mean that an infection that requires antibiotics is to blame.

“BROUD, sensitivity, accompanied by fever, body pain and flu-like symptoms, should immediately evaluate from a doctor,” emphasizes Jillian Lopiano, Md, Ob-Gyn and Chief Health Officer at WISP.

Molinuevo adds: “Always pick up when you have blood or pus in your milk, open skin, high fever or mastitis in both breasts.”

It is particularly important to seek medical help immediately, since untreated mastitis can lead to sepsis, severe blood infection or an abscess that requires surgical drainage.

Care with mastitis

Although the disease can be serious for the person concerned, mastitis does not harm a baby.

“Your breast milk is still safe for the baby’s consumption,” says Dr. Lopiano.

Molinuevo assures those affected: “If their milk is repelled from small amounts of blood, it is still sure to feed your baby.”

What about bacteria? “Even if the inflammation has a bacterial component, the bacteria are not spreading into breast milk,” explains Dr. Madden.

In the meantime, you should always inquire with your health service provider to ensure that all of your antibiotics you prescribe are compatible with nursing.