Jenna Dewan’s Solution for Mastitis: Raw Potato Slices

Actress Jenna Dewan opens up about her postpartum struggles and shares her remedy for mastitis.

Jenna Dewan, known for her role in The Rookie, recently took to Instagram to candidly discuss her postpartum experience after welcoming her third child, daughter Rhiannon.

One of the challenges she faced was mastitis, a painful breastfeeding-related issue. Dewan revealed that she found relief by using raw potato slices, sharing this natural remedy with her followers on social media.

What Is Mastitis?

Mastitis is the inflammation of breast tissue and affects approximately 20% of individuals.

According to Dr. Jessica Madden, mastitis can be caused by blocked milk ducts, engorgement, and cracked nipples, allowing bacteria to enter the breast tissue. Dr. Madden, a board-certified pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation consultant, and Medical Director of Aeroflow Breastpumps, notes that the condition presents with localized tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness, as well as fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms.

Depending on the severity, some people may need antibiotics to treat mastitis.

Can Mastitis be Cleared Naturally?

Many individuals choose to utilize home remedies for managing mastitis.

According to Janece Molinuevo, APRN, CNM, CBE, a midwife at Premier Health in Ohio, various home remedies can be effective in reducing inflammation.

Jenna Dewan, a mother of three, shared her experience of using raw potato slices on her breast to alleviate mastitis symptoms. In addition to this remedy, she also tried cold and warm compresses, castor oil, cabbage leaves, and epsom salt soaks. Dewan mentioned in her post that she also resorted to taking antibiotics for treatment.

Commenters Share Remedies

Commenters on Dewan’s post suggested various remedies, such as sunflower lecithin, ultrasound therapy, and using an electric toothbrush for massaging the area.

Effectiveness of Treatments

Do these treatments actually work?

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Raw Potato and Cabbage Leaves

Molinuevo mentions that raw potato has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and redness. Cabbage leaves are also touted for symptom relief, although these methods are not suitable for treating an infection.

Guidelines on Topical Products

Dr. Madden highlights that the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine advises against applying topical products to the breast in their recent guidelines for managing mastitis. This is because mastitis inflammation occurs in the deeper breast tissue, where remedies like cabbage leaves and potato slices may not effectively reach.

Alternative Approach Recommended

While some endorse Dewan’s remedies, Demi Lucas, IBCLC, recommends following the latest advice from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, which suggests using ice on the affected breast to reduce inflammation and offer relief.

Updated Approach to Treating Mastitis

Dr. Madden emphasizes a shift in the treatment of mastitis, stating that while heat was previously recommended, it is now used cautiously due to its potential to exacerbate inflammation and pain by increasing blood flow to the affected breast area.

Other Approaches to Treating Mastitis

Additional remedies for mastitis may involve:

Furthermore, Lucas stresses the importance of continuing breastfeeding or milk removal to prevent worsening the condition.

When is Antibiotic Treatment Necessary for Mastitis?

Failure to improve within 24 hours may indicate an infection that requires antibiotics.

According to OB-GYN and Chief Health Officer at Wisp, Dr. Jillian LoPiano, if you experience breast redness, tenderness, fever, body aches, and flu-like symptoms, it is essential to consult a physician immediately.

Additionally, Dr. Molinuevo advises seeking medical help if there is blood or pus in your milk, open skin, a high fever, or symptoms of mastitis in both breasts.

Immediate medical attention is crucial as untreated mastitis can lead to sepsis, a severe blood infection, or an abscess that may necessitate surgical drainage.

Nursing With Mastitis

While mastitis can be concerning for the person experiencing it, it does not pose a threat to the baby’s health.

According to Dr. LoPiano, “Your breast milk remains safe for your baby, and frequent latching or pumping is crucial for treatment.”

For those with pink-tinged milk due to small amounts of blood, Molinuevo reassures that it is still safe for the baby to consume.

Regarding bacterial concerns, Dr. Madden explains that even if there is a bacterial component to the inflammation, it will not spread into the breast milk.

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider to ensure that any prescribed antibiotics are compatible with breastfeeding.

Mastitis While Breastfeeding: Prevention, Proper Treatment, and Complications

Cabbage

Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) [Internet], National Institutes of Health. 2024

Incidence and Risk Factors for Human Mastitis

Health Sciences Review. 2024

Mastitis: Essential Information for Breastfeeding Parents

American Academy of Pediatrics. 2024