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 care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Apply a hot pack to the affected breast 15 to 20 minutes before breastfeeding.
- Apply a cold compress after breastfeeding. The cold compress may help with pain or swelling.
- Wear a supportive bra.
- Use different positions when breastfeeding.
- Empty the milk from your breast while breastfeeding. If your baby does not nurse well on that breast you may need to use a breast pump or hand express.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day.
- Rest often.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
No, physical activities may not be limited. You may still breastfeed your baby. ‚
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.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction such as wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection such as a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Breast is tender, swollen, and reddened
- Armpit part has become tender and swollen
- Abnormal discharge from your breast
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Be sure to keep breastfeeding or pumping during mastitis. Leaving too much milk in the breast can make the infection worse. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my breasts.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, discharge from my breast, or my breast or armpit is swollen and tender.
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚