HEALTH & BEAUTY

Due to the high volume of Black Friday orders and additional COVID safety precautions we have in place, we are expecting orders to take a little longer than usual.Warehouse processing time: 3 – 5 business days + Courier Shipping time (see below):

Region 
Delivery Times (business days)
Shipped from 
UAE
1 – 2 days
UAE
US (mainland)
5 – 7 days
US
Europe
3 – 5 days
UAE
Canada
3 – 5 days
UAE
Australia
3 – 5 days
UAE
Asia
5 – 7 days
UAE
Rest of the world
5 – 7 days
UAE
US (PO Box)
Up to 21 days
US
US (outside mainland)
Up to 21 days
US

You will receive your tracking details when your order has been processed and ready for collection from the courier (within 3 – 5 business days). Please allow 24 hours for your tracking number to activate.The dates mentioned provide a guideline, shipping timeframes may be subject to change. Orders including fragrance or other HAZMAT products may take an additional 2-3 days shipping. […]

There are myths about weight loss and then there are myths that have been hammered into our minds, and we follow them blindly without questioning their efficacy. For example, for many decades now, we have been made to believe that all forms are fats are bad and would lead to weight gain, whereas the truth […]
The post 20 Lies you Have Been Told About Weight Loss appeared first on Makeupandbeauty.com. […]

In a multi-cultural country such as India, food is considered sacred and wasting away even a single morsel is adjudged irreverence. “Clean your plate before you get up” has been a practice that has been ingrained from our childhood to make sure we get adequate nourishment during our growing years and more importantly, to ensure […]
The post 9 Ways to Quit the Clean Plate Club appeared first on Makeupandbeauty.com. […]

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Whether it’s winter or lockdown, we’re all spending more time inside at the moment. We know binge-watching Netflix is always satisfying, but research shows that actually doing some kind of activity is much better for helping you to relax, rest, and unwind than simply watching TV. And, because we know going hiking or hanging with your friends might not be possible RN, what better than to try one of these fun at-home beauty activities.
1. Master the Art of Gua Sha

Gua Sha is a type of facial technique that involves moving a blunt, smooth instrument (a Gua Sha) along specific energy lines to remove toxins from your lymphatic system. The benefits of doing this daily – or even just regularly – are pretty insane! When done consistently, Gua sha can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, rosacea, acne, acne scars, pigmentation, dark circles, and facial puffiness. By running the tool across the face with specific movements, it helps to retrain the muscles of the face, relaxing them, strengthening, lifting and toning.
How to Gua Sha: The technique is not at all difficult, you just need to know the angles and movements. Check out our guide to doing Gua Sha with facialist expert Danna Omari.
2. Have a Pampering Bath

Is there anything more relaxing than soaking in a tub filled with bubbles or bath salts for hours? We think not! If you love baths, maybe this is something you do often, but if you don’t, then take the time out to set yourself up with the ultimate indulgent bath. It’s a great way to switch off and really feel disconnected. Whether you want to read a book, watch a little Netflix or just be with your own thoughts, make it an occasion (and put your phone on silent!).
How to set up the ultimate bath experience: Light a candle, incense or bring a diffuser into your bathroom. Next, add either bubbles, bath salts or bath oils to pamper your skin – we love to add coconut oil to our bath for its skin-softening properties while bath salts are amazing for relaxing muscles. Then out on some chill music to help you unwind.
Finally, take some snacks: You can go healthy with some strawberries or fruit or indulge with some dark chocolate or candy – it’s your bath, so do what makes you happy. Don’t forget to take a chilled glass of water with you to stay hydrated. Then pop on a face mask, lie back and relax! If you want to make your bath extra productive, finish with a body scrub to soften your skin.
Check out more bath tips here.
3. Do a DIY Face Mask

You know we love a good DIY! A DIY face mask is cheap, easy, and honestly, often gives the same results as some expensive formulas. The key is to use nourishing, non-harsh ingredients that are effective. Before you start your DIY face mask, ensure your skin is completely clean, so either cleanse or double cleanse if you’ve been wearing makeup and/or sunscreen.
How to: Try our fave DIY papaya and honey face mask that gives seriously glowy results or check out more easy DIYs and DIY face masks here.
4. Clear Out Your Stash

Okay, this might only be considered fun by those who strongly relate to Monica’s love of tidying, but either way, we promise you, going through and editing your beauty stash is a seriously satisfying task. Chances are that over the years you got excited about a new beauty product, bought it, and gave up on your others, resulting in a collection of half-used products clogging up your bathroom shelves and cabinets.
How to: Take every beauty product you own and gather it in one place. Go through each one and check if it’s expired or has been open for longer than the product advises. Getting rid of expired beauty products is hard, but necessary – if you really can’t bear to get rid of an old face moisturizer but you don’t want to put it on your face – consider using it on your décolleté or as hand cream. For anything leftover that you don’t use every day or every week, ask yourself: “Do I like using this?” If the answer is no, then don’t force it, it could be something one of your friends would appreciate. Once you’ve gone through everything (don’t forget to recycle containers where you can), organize it in a way where you’re using older products first and not hiding things away where you’ll potentially forget about them again!
For more inspo, we strongly recommend checking out The Home Edit on Netflix for more epic organizing tips and satisfying techniques for staying organized!

Posts You’ll Love:

5. Give Yourself a Haircial
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We often give a lot of love to our face with a 10-step skincare routine or bi-weekly facials, but how often do you give your hair the same love? And we’re not just talking about your wash day or leaving in a deep conditioner for 5 minutes! We’re talking masking, detox shampoos, deep conditioner, and a post-wash routine to make your hair softer, smoother, and shinier than ever before.
How to: Check out our guide to giving yourself the ultimate HAIRcial for your hair type here or try this amazing rice water DIY, which is amazing for strengthening, detangling and nourishing all hair types.
6. Experiment With Your Brows

With more time at home, you’ve got plenty of time to spend a little extra on those beauty tricks you’ve been meaning to. Finding the correct brow shape can be so transformative but it’s possibly one of the hardest aspects of brow grooming as it’s about achieving the perfect harmony between your natural brow shape and your face shape. When it comes to the most flattering shape, you can use your brows to enhance your face shape. For example, if you have a round face, high angled brows can help create the illusion of a longer, slimmer face.
How to: For a breakdown of what brow shape will best suit you, take a quick look at this post. Finally, remember this brow mantra: your brows should be sisters, not twins. Unlike a lot of beauty rules, this one is not a myth! Often when you try and make sure they’re a perfect match you can over tweeze them, and they’ll end up looking too thin. So, try not to stress about making them identical, and remember it’s only you that spends all day staring at them.
7. Give Yourself a Manicure or Pedicure

Doing a mani/pedi always feels so self-indulgent – in the best way possible!  Even if no one will see your nails, it’s still uplifting and the perfect self-care practice to keep you calm, busy and feeling gorgeous!
How to: Check out J. Lo’s go-to nail artist’s tips and tricks for looking after your nails and doing the ultimate DIY Manicure. If you’re doing a pedicure, follow the same steps, but don’t forget to first soften your feet in a warm bath for 10 mins and give them a good scrub before you get started on your nails.
8. Learn How to Perfect the Smokey Eye

The smokey eye is an iconic makeup look but harder to master if you’re not a complete makeup junkie! The dark shadow and sultry liner are undeniably sexy and we’re loving the more modern take on the smokey eye which feels a lot more wearable and a lot less ‘full glam’ than its predecessor. This is especially ideal when your most exciting outings include the grocery store or a walk in the park!
How to: For all the inspo and all our tips for creating a sexy, modern smokey eye, check out this post.
9. Give Your Body a Spa Experience
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This one works as a great addition to your pampering bath but it’s also totally shower-friendly too. We often neglect our bodies, especially in winter when we’re pretty much covered up and the idea of being bare for more than a minute after a shower gives you the shivers! But honestly, giving yourself a full-body glow-up is invigorating and so satisfying!
How to: Start with a hot shower or bath (let the bathroom steam up so it’s toastier after) and then get in and begin. (You also have the option to start with a little dry brushing beforehand.) Once in, get comfy and then do a full body scrub from head to toe (check out our fave DIYs here). Next up, if you’ve decided not to go au naturel, now is the time to shave any areas of your body that you like to. Once you’re done, lightly pat your body dry to get most of the water off, then immediately follow with a body oil to soften your skin and lock all that moisture in. Post body spa experience you’ll be feeling soft and fresh!
Which of these beauty activities are you going to give a go first? Let us know in the comments below. […]

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These potent formulas restore your glow, minus any greasy residue. % […]

5 min read

Did you just give birth, or are preparing to soon? Congratulations! 
You’ve just grown a whole human from scratch, rode the waves of labor, and pushed a baby out of your birth canal, aka vagina. 
You may be feeling sore, raw, messy, elated, exhausted, blissed-out, frustrated, on an oxytocin high, sleep-deprived, and any combination of the wide range of emotions someone can experience after birth. 
Although you’ve made it through pregnancy, labor, and birth, your journey is just getting started. 
From the time your baby is born to about three months thereafter, you’re in what’s called “the fourth trimester”. This tender part of the postpartum period is an essential time for healing your newly evolved body. 
While healing happens on many different layers, from physical, to emotional, to mental, you’ll also want to think about what steps you’ll take to heal your vagina, vulva, perineum, and anus – aka the actual genital tissues that the human equivalent of watermelon just passed through on their way into the world. 
Mothering the Mother
No matter how you’re feeling, everyone needs extra help after they’ve given birth. 
The idea of “mothering the mother” is making sure that not only are the birthing parent’s general needs taken care of like being fed, hydrated, and emotionally supported, but that other people are taking care of errands and household duties. Your support team may include a partner, family, friends, a postpartum doula, or any combination of people.
Having other people take care of cooking, walking the dog, and laundry not only allows you to put all your focus on bonding with your baby, but is also imperative for your long term vaginal health and healing. 
What to Expect
Knowing what is and isn’t in the range of normal lets you know what to expect after vaginal birth, and any potential red flags.
Soreness: Your perineum and rectum may feel sore and tender for anywhere from three to six weeks depending on whether or not you required stitches. 
Swelling:  Your labia and whole genital area may be swollen for a few days to a few weeks. 
Labia Changes: Your labia may look darker, or have varicose veins after birth.
Stitches: If you had stitches as a result of an episiotomy or tear, they should heal in seven to ten days. It’s important to clean them with water after you use the bathroom and try not to touch them to avoid infection. 
Hemorrhoids: Are normal after delivery. Try to avoid constipation by not holding it in when you need to poop, eating fibre-filled foods, and taking a gentle laxative or stool softener if necessary.
Bleeding and Discharge: Called lochia, this is the body’s way of eliminating extra blood and tissue that it used to grow a baby. Your bleeding may be heavier up to ten days postpartum, with spotting and light bleeding lasting up to six weeks postpartum. Some clots are normal, especially in the first week. 
Prepare for Vaginal Healing
While you may not be able to predict exactly how your birth is going to go, you can take certain steps and preparations to help support your vaginal healing postpartum.
Find The Right Provider: If you are able to have your choice of provider, try choosing one that you feel safe and comfortable with. This can make a huge difference in the outcome of your birth, and thus your postpartum healing. You will also want to ask them their policies on episiotomies and pushing procedures.
Make “Padsicles”: Prepare these before birth by dampening maxi pads with witch hazel and stacking them with foil between them in the freezer. It can help to bend them slightly to line up with the curves of your body. Some people choose to use aloe vera and other healing herbs to soak them in. An ice pack specifically made for your postpartum perineal needs!
Peri Bottle: Short for perineum bottle, your hospital, birth center or midwife may provide one of these handy squirt bottles. Fill it with ¾ warm water and ¼ witch hazel to use after you go to the bathroom. 
Sitz Bath: This is a warm bath where you only submerge your bum, and possibly up to your hips. This may be infused with healing herbs as well. You can also try heat packs or hot water bottles to help ease discomfort.
Yoni Steams: Are done by sitting over a pot or bowl of steaming medicinal herbs that are intended for postpartum healing. It is recommended to wait at least thirty days postpartum before steaming.
Minimize Movement: Your body needs time to heal. This is also important to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. You may want to set up your station downstairs, if your bedroom is upstairs.
Stay Off of Your Perineum: Avoid standing or sitting for too long in the first few weeks, try to lie on your side, or sit on a pillow if needed. 
Let it Breathe: While you may need adult diapers or period panties for initial bleeding, try to wear loose clothes to let your genitals breathe after birth. 
Numbing: You can use local anesthetics for numbing any perineum pain. 
OTC Painkiller: Like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, be sure to ask your provider first.
Decrease Risk of Infection: By only using pads or period panties, do not put a tampon or menstrual cup in there for at least the first six weeks postpartum. 
Signs You Should Reach Out to Your Provider
Postpartum Hemorrhage: Tell your doctor if you are filling up more than a pad every hour, as this may be a sign of postpartum hemorrhage. 
Pelvic Prolapse: If you experience excess pressure or pain in your pelvic floor, or difficulty peeing or defecating this may be a sign of pelvic prolapse. 
Clots: While some clots are normal, if they are bigger than a quarter, you should consult your provider.
Chills and Fever: These are possible signs of postpartum infection. 
Stitches: If your stitches are red, swollen, or have pus it could indicate an infection. 
Long Term Healing 
Healing after birth takes time, and your body will never return to exactly how it was before, but that’s ok, you just brought another human into the world afterall! 
When planning for your vaginal birth healing process, you may also want to consider kegels, pelvic floor physical therapy, and how to have great sex after pregnancy. 

Natasha (she/they) is a full spectrum doula, reproductive health content creator, and sexual wellness consultant. Her work focuses on deconstructing the shame, stigma, and barriers people carry around birth, sex, and beyond, to help people navigate through their lives with more pleasure, softness, and sensuality. You can connect with Natasha on IG @spectrumoflovedoula. […]

5 min read

As we seek to push for inclusivity and destigmatization in reproductive healthcare, it’s important we normalize the many ways people choose to become – or not become – parents. 
Conception is a tricky word that can stir so many emotions, questions, and stories. Conception is the beginning of what could be a new human, and the ways that people get there are becoming more and more accessible. We’re here to discuss the many roads conception journeys can take. 
The Old Fashioned Way
I’m sure you know what this looks like. A tried and true method is penis in vagina. If the timing is right and the stars are aligned, you may find yourself getting pregnant if you’re ovulating when you have sex. 
For cis-gendered, heterosexual couples, an estimated 84% will successfully get pregnant through intercourse within the first year of trying without contraception. 
This percentage does decline with age, as someone approaches menopause, but there are numerous other reasons someone may have difficulty conceiving from stress, to a disorder like endometriosis. 
How someone chooses to approach issues with fertility is their own choice. Some may go more holistic routes by using tools like acupuncture and functional medicine. Or by integrating them with other pharmaceutical methods. 
Fertility Treatments
If someone experiences signs of infertility or difficulty conceiving, they may opt for using medical support like fertility medication, or surgical procedures that work to remedy whatever conditions may be leading to infertility. This could include procedures to repair any scarring or blocking in the fallopian tubes, removing cysts caused by endometriosis, or removing fibroids. 
For men and people with penises, there are procedures that help correct blockages that may prevent sperm from releasing. 
Inspiring Inclusivity 
As we push for more and more inclusivity in reproductive health, we have to acknowledge that not all couples who want to reproduce have a penis and vagina. No matter the gender configuration of potential parents, they should have access and understanding as to what their choices are regarding reproduction. 
On that note, not everyone who wants to have a baby has a partner. That’s cool too! Single people should also have access to and education around the same services that couples do when wanting to have a baby.
We’re all for expanding the possibilities of what families can look like. 
What About IVF?
When it comes to fertility treatments, the first thing that comes to mind for most people is typically IVF, or in vitro fertilization.
Depending on the dynamics of the couple or person trying to conceive, IVF is often seen as a last resort. Not only is it expensive, but the process can take a long time, and involves the use of fertility drugs, which can be physically tolling. 
Scientific advances sure are incredible! The process of in vitro means fertilizing the egg outside of the body, and then implanting it into either the gestational parent or a surrogate. 
Here’s what that looks like: After fertility testing, the gestational parent will go on fertility drugs to help stimulate the ovaries to release multiple eggs. During ovulation, they will then undergo a minor surgery called follicular aspiration to get said eggs. If necessary, donor eggs can be used. These eggs are then fertilized with sperm, and implanted back into the womb where hopefully they will develop and grow successfully. 
A 2017 Fertility Clinic Success Rates Report from the U.S. Center for Disease Control, found that of 284,385* Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles performed at 448 clinics in the U.S, resulted in 68,908 live births.
One of the biggest deterrents of IVF is again, the price. A single cycle costs an average of $15,000 USD without the help of insurance. Given that it often comes after other less expensive measures, and can take multiple cycles, its price tag can drastically increase, as does the emotional strain.
Unfortunately, this price tag makes IVF inaccessible for many people, but it’s not the only option.
Let’s Talk About IUI
Another more affordable option is IUI, or intrauterine insemination. 
IUI is typically a much simpler procedure than IVF, and can be done with or without the use of fertility drugs. 
People would turn to IUI if they cannot or don’t want to have sex with a male partner, or if their male partner is experiencing infertility. It can be used as a stepping stone before resorting to IVF, yet after using other fertility-boosting measures whether they be holistic or pharmaceutical. 
Many queer parents use IUI as a way of conceiving, using donor sperm.
A significantly more affordable option than IVF, a single cycle costs around $1,000 USD.
Another benefit of IUI, is that it doesn’t have to be done in the harsh environment of a clinic. Many midwives offer IUI as part of their services, and they may even be able to perform it in the comfort of their client’s home. Making the whole experience that much more intimate.
There are Options
To stay focused on inclusivity means talking about all possible options. Not everyone’s journey to parenthood involves them becoming pregnant. 
Conception isn’t just about you getting pregnant. It is the beginning of a new phase in life, no matter what that looks like. For some people and partners, their journey involves foster parenting, adoption, or even using a surrogate. 
No matter what your conception journey looks like, you deserve to have the love and support of your community and whatever tools you need to become the parent you are meant to be.

Natasha (she/they) is a full spectrum doula, reproductive health content creator, and sexual wellness consultant. Her work focuses on deconstructing the shame, stigma, and barriers people carry around birth, sex, and beyond, to help people navigate through their lives with more pleasure, softness, and sensuality. You can connect with Natasha on IG @spectrumoflovedoula. […]

4 min read

So you’ve finally converted to a menstrual cup. Congratulations! You’re taking big steps in choosing the best period options for your body, wallet, and the planet. 
You’ve started bleeding, in your cup goes, and then wham! Wait – “How do I pee with this thing in?!” or “Why do I always feel like I need to pee when wearing a menstrual cup?!”. 
These are two very normal reactions of new period cup users. 
Luckily for you, we’ve got answers and tips to help guide on your menstrual cup journey and peeing. 
Can You Pee with a Cup In?
To put it simply, yes, of course. Depending on your flow, you can wear your menstrual cup for up to twelve hours. As you can imagine, it would be a pain in the butt – or vagina – to have to take it out after time you had to urinate.
For women and people with vulvas, there’s a whole lot going on in one small area, which can make things feel complicated when adding an extra product to the party. 
I’m sorry if this is painfully obvious, but pee and period blood do come out different holes. That’s not to say that having a cup in your vaginal canal can’t impact your peeing habits, or vice versa. This is because the bladder, urethra and vagina are cozying up real close to each other. 
Find The Right Cup and Position
If your menstrual cup is making peeing more complicated, or giving you any anxiety, you’ll want to make sure that you, one – have the right cup for your body, and two – make sure it’s in at a comfortable position. 
If your cup feels like it’s taking up too much space in there, check out this menstrual cup size guide, you may need a new one that fits you better.
You can also try wearing your cup lower in your vaginal canal, so it puts less pressure on your bladder, or readjust it until it feels like it’s in a prime position. 
In some cases, it may just be a new sensation that you get used to after a few wears. 
Will it Fall Out When I Pee?
Your cup is designed to stay in place when you pee, but of course – accidents happen. 
If your cup does happen to fall out, and into the toilet, just be sure to properly sanitize it before reinserting, to prevent a nasty infection from bacteria that live in toilets and urine, like E. coli and Staphylococcus.  
For people who tend to pee outside, or have squat toilets, versus sit down ones, this may cause your cup to be more likely to fall out, because of the angle of your pelvic floor muscles and vagina. 
If the toilet scaries are still getting to you, again you can take it out when you pee, but who wants to go through that hassle?
What about The Urge to Pee?
Your cup is nestled in there and stays put when peeing, but the pressure on your bladder, is making it feel like you need to go all the time! 
Like we mentioned, you may need to try a different cup or reposition it, but if you’re still experienced the urge 
Here’s a little advice from people who have urinary incontinence or feel like they need to pee all the time – fully void. This means trying to fully drain your bladder every time you pee. Go to the bathroom, do your business, stand up to change the position of your pelvic floor muscles, and then try to pee again. This method should give you some relief, whether or not you have a cup in. 
Don’t Hold it In
Your pee that is, not your cup, that holds itself in. 
If you’re feeling like you need to pee more with a cup in, don’t torture yourself, let it out! Some people find themselves needing to pee more on their period, menstrual cup or not. This is because of a drop in the hormone progesterone. This hormone can cause water retention, aka bloating during your pre-menstrual phase. When it drops, you’re no longer holding on to all that water, and you may need to pee it out much more often than usual. 
Holding your pee in can lead to uncomfortable urinary tract infections, which when left untreated can turn into bladder or kidney infections. Yikes!
Listen to your body and let it out when nature calls. 
With all that going on, you may be wondering about sex with a menstrual cup, specifically squirting. If you can pee with a cup in, you can most likely squirt as well – if that’s what you’re into!
Menstrual cups are meant to make your life easier, but of course everyone’s individual anatomy requires different care when it comes to periods. It may take time to find the right cup and routine for your body and cycle, but when you do – there’s no turning back!

Natasha (she/they) is a full spectrum doula, reproductive health content creator, and sexual wellness consultant. Her work focuses on deconstructing the shame, stigma, and barriers people carry around birth, sex, and beyond, to help people navigate through their lives with more pleasure, softness, and sensuality. You can connect with Natasha on IG @spectrumoflovedoula. […]

4 min read

Welcome to parenthood! 
You and your sweet new bundle of joy have made it through labor and birth, and are now getting well acquainted with each other, and the quirks that come with having a new baby.
How you choose to feed your baby is totally up to you! For those who choose to breastfeed, pump, or some combination of feeding styles, you may have found that lactation isn’t as straightforward as it seemed. 
There’s an endless list of things that can complicate lactation – milk supply, all-nighters, tongue ties, chaffed nipples, teething tots – the list goes on.
One of the more difficult complications to deal with is mastitis. 
What is Mastitis?
Simply put, mastitis is the inflammation of the breast in a person who is lactating. Ouch!
Most commonly occurring in the first six weeks postpartum, mastitis can be due to a few different causes, and may or may not be accompanied by an infection. 
It’s important to mention that anyone who is lactating can have mastitis. Gestational parents who don’t identify as mothers can lactate, and parents who have endured pregnancy loss can also come down with mastitis.
Traffic on The Milky Way
While a clogged milk duct doesn’t always lead to mastitis, it is the most common cause of it. 
Milk flows through a beautifully, complex network of ducts in the breasts. When these ducts become blocked, it can hinder the flow of milk, and lead to engorgement and tenderness near where the clog is. 
When left untreated, this can lead to an infection. 
Milk Blisters
A clogged duct may also be accompanied by a bleb. This is a small, usually painful milk blister on the nipple or areola. 
Oftentimes, these resolve without treatment. If you have a painful bleb, you can use a wet or dry heat compress, followed by nursing. It’s also helpful to soak your nipples in warm water and try to hand express out the blockage by squeezing behind it. Once the blister opens, help prevent infection by keeping it clean, and washing it with mild, unscented soap once or twice a day. 
Boobs and Bacteria
Another cause of mastitis is when bacteria makes its way into your bloodstream via a cracked nipple. This bacteria can come from your baby’s mouth, or your skin’s surface.
If this inflammation or clogged duct doesn’t clear, it can lead to an infection. Along with a painful and swollen breast(s), you may also experience flu-like symptoms like a low-grade fever, achiness, and fatigue.
Common Symptoms of Mastitis:
Breast tenderness.
Redness on breasts.
Hard spot or sore lump in breast.
You should consult your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms: 
You have a fever over 101 degrees F (38.4 degrees C).
There is pus or blood in your milk.
You have excessive chills or worsening symptoms.
If your breast(s) become hot and swollen, or you have red streaks on them from your nipple towards your armpit.
Treating a Plugged Duct and/or Mastitis
It is absolutely ok for your baby to nurse from the infected side, in fact, it can help clear up your clogged ducts, and prevent further infection. It may even help boost your baby’s immune system, by passing on valuable antibodies that you produced while fighting off the infection. 
Here are some other helpful treatment options:
Apply a wet or dry heat compress to the affected breast.
An old folk remedy that people swear by is putting chilled cabbage leaves on the affected breast, which may work similarly to a heat compress.
Nurse and/or pump frequently on the side of clogged duct.
Try to rest, especially if you think an infection is developing.
Gently massage the lump, or right behind it, especially while feeding.
Try going braless, or wearing a bra without underwear, as well as loose-fitting clothing.
Soak breasts in warm water (you can lean over a basin) and massage them, try to nurse after doing this.
Use a device with low vibrations over the engorged area, like the end of a toothbrush, a vibrator on a low setting, or a specific device developed for encouraging milk flow.
If your baby is feeding less or changing schedules, try hand expressing a little to prevent clogging.
If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to finish them.
Preventing Mastitis 
Help prevent mastitis and clogged ducts by maintaining regular nursing and/or pumping schedule, switching up positions when nursing, massaging your breasts while nursing to help with milk flow, and following any treatment regimens given to you by your provider.
You may also consider seeing a lactation consultant, who can help you in finding the best latch and positioning for you and your baby, and other life-changing tips around nursing.
Ultimately, how you choose to feed your baby is up to you. If you have recurring mastitis, clogged ducts, discomfort, or breastfeeding just isn’t working for you anymore – it’s ok to stop. The best thing you can do for the wellbeing of you and your baby is to make an informed choice about what works best for both of you.

Natasha (she/they) is a full spectrum doula, reproductive health content creator, and sexual wellness consultant. Her work focuses on deconstructing the shame, stigma, and barriers people carry around birth, sex, and beyond, to help people navigate through their lives with more pleasure, softness, and sensuality. You can connect with Natasha on IG @spectrumoflovedoula. […]