Remember, during pregnancy, you were told about the benefits of breastfeeding, one of which was the sterility of mother's milk. However, even in this valuable product for a baby, one of the most dangerous microorganisms, staphylococci, can turn out to be.
Symptoms of Staphylococcus in Breast Milk
With staphylococci we are literally from birth. They can be found everywhere: in the air, on the skin, in food, in the airways and even in the digestive tract. But where is Staphylococcus in breast milk?
Breast feeding mom, unfortunately, can be the "entrance gate" of the infection: bacteria enter the body through microcracks on the skin of the nipples. To detect staphylococcus in milk, you can, if your baby has already picked up this microorganism and handed it to you.
"Peaceful" staphylococcus can quietly coexist with you and your baby. But if he "went to the warpath" (and this happens, for example, if you are infected in the hospital or general weakening of the body), then you are at least threatened with inflammatory diseases on the skin and mucous membranes. And in the most severe cases, it is possible to develop sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, abscesses of internal organs.
You need to sound an alarm if there are signs of a bacterial infection: high fever, loss of appetite, the appearance of pustules on the skin, mastitis that begins, a decrease in weight gain, inflammation of the umbilical ring, diarrhea (in the baby). In this case, contact your doctor immediately.
We collect breast milk for analysis
First of all, the doctor will prescribe the analysis of breast milk for staphylococcus, or as it is called the sterility test. It is important to collect breast milk for analysis (it is best to do it right in the laboratory). If you collect milk in a house, try to deliver samples to the laboratory within 3 hours after collection. This is necessary for an accurate result.
For analysis, take two sterile jars (they are given in the laboratory or bought at the pharmacy). Before decanting, carefully wash your hands and mammary glands with soap, nipple nipples with 70% alcohol (treat each breast with a separate tampon).
First dose of milk (5-10 ml), strain into the sink, and the second (10 ml) - in a sterile container for analysis. Do not mix milk from the left and right chest, for each sample there is a jar.
The results of the analysis are usually ready in a week. The laboratory will determine not only the quantity and quality of bacteria in milk, but also their resistance to bacteriophages, antibiotics and antiseptics. This will help to choose the most effective method of treatment.
Staphylococcus in breast milk - treatment
What if the test found staphylococcus in breast milk? Do not be afraid, if you and your baby feel well. Perhaps the presence of staphylococcus in the mother's milk is just the result of incorrect sampling.
Do I need to start treatment immediately? Yes, if you have a staphylococcal infection. Specialists will prescribe a course of antibiotics compatible with breastfeeding. In severe cases, hospitalization and refusal of breastfeeding may be required.
If you have staphylococcus without any signs of disease, do not swallow the pill. However, remember: Staphylococcus loves the weak, so make every effort to strengthen immunity.