How can I provide effective support and education to breastfeeding mothers to prevent recurrent mastitis?

To provide effective support and education to breastfeeding mothers to prevent recurrent mastitis, ensure they receive tailored, face-to-face breastfeeding support that includes guidance on correct breastfeeding technique and positioning to improve milk removal and prevent nipple damage.

Teach mothers how to manually express milk and how to check their breasts for lumps, redness, and tenderness, as well as how to recognize and manage milk stasis by resting and breastfeeding frequently.

Advise mothers not to stop breastfeeding abruptly if they choose to discontinue, but to express enough milk to keep breasts comfortable and to wear a supportive bra.

Provide information on hygiene measures such as thorough and frequent hand washing, proper cleaning and air drying of breast pumps after each use, and discarding potentially contaminated nipple ointments or creams to reduce infection risk.

Encourage the use of analgesics compatible with breastfeeding, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to relieve pain associated with mastitis.

Offer additional support options including peer support, breastfeeding support groups, and information about out-of-hours helplines to maintain breastfeeding and prevent recurrence.

Ensure mothers know when to seek medical help, especially if symptoms of mastitis do not improve within 24 hours or worsen despite effective milk removal.