Well, we are certainly seeing the irreparable damage being done to the guts of mothers and babies bc of so much irresponsible use of abx, including for mastitis. In over a decade now, I have not had one client need abx for mastitis, bc homeopathy and castor oil compresses work every single time. In cases of recurrent mastitis, addressing underlying inflammatory issues related to diet usually resolves it (assuming there is no TT or other mechanical cause). I have also seen a lot of abscesses resolve w/o abx as well, although using holistic remedies to treat plugs and mastitis in no way precludes using abx for an abscess where needed. Homeopathy is not inferior medicine to abx by any stretch of the imagination and such a comment simply reflects a lack of knowledge as to its efficacy. It also reflects a misplaced comfort with the immense risk to both momma and baby of destroying the maternal gut. 


Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, USA & France
Intuitive Parenting Network, LLC




Date:    Tue, 13 Nov 2012 10:16:15 -0600
From:    [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: herbs verses antibiotics

Let one of these anti-antibiotic folks see a raging abscess that destroys the 
breast and terminates breastfeeding and see what they think.  Tell them to read 
a few JHL or JCL articles.  Read some good research.  Mastitis is no laughing 
matter and should not be treated lightly.  The sooner the issue is addressed, 
the better.  Essential oils, herbs, etc might be OK for breast "congestion" or 
early non-infectious mastitis.  But remember in the old days before antibiotics, 
people died from infection.  Yes, they can be overused, but I like what Jack 
Newman's policy is - treat the congestion, fix latch, etc. but if not improving 
by 24 hours, go with the antibiotics.  Recent research on damaged nipples has 
shown that oral antibiotics was more effective and quicker healing than topical 
or no treatment.  IMHO

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
On Behalf Of Erika Lance
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2012 6:45 PM
Subject: herbs verses antibiotics

Do we have a standard of care when treating mastitus as an IBCLC? I have always 
referred mom to her HCP and they give mom an oral antibiotic.
Lately, I have been having a discussion with my friends who are against 
anti-biotics and believe the mom should try essential oils and or herbs and stay 
far away from antibiotics. I am not against herbs to help treat infections but I 
have also seen so many women who benefit quickly from the anti-biotics the HCP 
prescribes. What are your thoughts

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