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Mastitis


About this topic


Mastitis is problem where the breast tissue is swollen and sore. There may, or may not be, an infection in the breast tissue. You can have mastitis in one or both breasts. Mastitis most often happens in just one. Many women have mastitis during the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding. Even with mastitis, breastfeeding your baby is safe. ‚  

What are the causes?


  • Blocked milk duct which can lead to milk being trapped in the breast.
  • Germs can enter the breast through a crack in the nipple or milk duct opening.

What can make this more likely to happen?


You are more likely to have mastitis if you are breastfeeding. Mastitis is more common if you are: ‚  
  • Having problems getting the baby to latch on the right way or to nurse well
  • Using only one position to breastfeed
  • Using one breast more than the other
  • Skip feedings or stop breastfeeding quickly
  • Having a crack or open part on the breast or nipple

Pressure on the breasts can also raise your chances for mastitis. You may have pressure from: ‚  
  • Clothing that is too tight
  • Exercise in a nonsupportive bra
  • Holding the breast too tightly while breastfeeding
  • Baby sleeping on your breast
  • Sleeping on your stomach

Problems with your nipples may raise your chances for mastitis. You may have problems from: ‚  
  • A skin problem like psoriasis that affects the nipple
  • Not using a breast pump the right way
  • Baby having a cleft lip or palate (split opening in the lip or roof of mouth)

Other things may also raise your chances of mastitis like: ‚  
  • Having prior breast surgery or implants
  • Having illnesses such as high blood sugar, AIDs, or immune system problems
  • Having a yeast infection of the breast
  • Being a smoker

What are the main signs?


  • Breast pain or soreness
  • Swelling
  • Redness, sometimes in a wedge shape
  • Burning feeling during breastfeeding
  • Flu-like signs ¢ ˆ ’ fever, chills, feeling tired, upset stomach, throwing up
  • Lump or area of hardness in the breast
  • Nipple changes such as discharge or numbness
  • Enlarged and tender lymph nodes in the armpit area on the same side of the mastitis

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will do an exam. The doctor may feel your breasts for swollen, warm, or hardened areas. The doctor may also order: ‚  
  • Culture of the breast milk for infections that come back
  • Breast ultrasound
  • Mammogram or breast tissue sample (tissue sampling from a needle) in women who are not breastfeeding to rule out cancer

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


The doctor may suggest you: ‚  
  • Change positions when breastfeeding
  • Drain the breast fully after feeding by pump or by hand
  • Wear a supportive bra that is not too tight in the area with the problem
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day
  • Use heat before breastfeeding and ice after

Are there other health problems to treat?


If an abscess or pocket of infection happens, it may need drained in the office or in an operating room. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Fight an infection

What problems could happen?


If the infection is not treated right away, there may be a collection of pus in the breast. In this case, you may be asked to stop breastfeeding for a short time. ‚  

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Ask your doctor for tips and advice on proper breastfeeding.
  • Always wash your hands and nipples before breastfeeding.
  • Start feeding on the left breast one time. Next time, start with the right breast.
  • Try not to miss any feeding sessions. If you do, use a pump to prevent the breast from overfilling with milk.
  • When weaning the baby from breastfeeding, wean slowly over a few weeks.
  • Keep your nipples dry when you are not breastfeeding. Do not use breast pads that stay wet when you are not breastfeeding.

Helpful tips


Be sure to keep breastfeeding or pumping during mastitis. Leaving too much milk in the breast can make the infection worse. ‚  

Where can I learn more?


Better Health Channel ‚  
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Breastfeeding_dealing_with_mastitis ‚  
FamilyDoctor.org ‚  
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/mastitis.html ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mastitis/pages/introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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