Involves redness, tenderness and heat in the breast, along with a fever and flu-like symptoms such as nausea, aches and chills.
Usually occurs within the first six weeks of breastfeeding, but can occur anytime.
Often starts with engorgement.
May occur the first time your baby sleeps through the night and/or goes an unusually long time between feedings.
Onset is sudden with intense pain in one breast, rarely in both breasts.
Symptoms usually last 2-5 days and peak on the second and third day.
Non-infective mastitis (not related to an infection) may progress to infective mastitis (which is infection- or bacteria-based and may need to be treated with antibiotics).
Bacteria may enter the breast through a crack in the nipple and spread through the ducts.
Poor drainage of the breast could trigger mastitis especially when you are exhausted from lack of sleep and stress.
Tips to prevent breast mastitis
Reduce stress and fatigue.
Prioritize tasks and get household help.
Take naps when your baby sleeps.
Delay return to work as long as possible.
Breastfeed often, at least 8-12 times per day.
Massage any red or firm areas of the breast especially while breastfeeding.
Pump or express milk if you miss a feeding
Pump or express milk if your breasts are engorged or still full after a feeding
Avoid underwire bras that block milk flow
If you’ve had mastitis before, even with another child, you are more likely to get it again
Do all the above to prevent it before it occurs
What to do if you get breast mastitis
Keep nursing.
Your baby will not get sick from your milk.
Start with the unaffected breast to allow your milk to let-down in the affected breast before feeding. This should reduce pain.
Keep the affected breast as empty as possible.
Breastfeed often and hand express or pump after breastfeeding several times per day.
Call your healthcare provider and/or a lactation consultant.
Antibiotic treatment will reduce the chance of recurrence or an abscess.
Make sure to complete your full course of antibiotics.
Get in bed. You need to rest to get better.
Take your baby to bed with you so you can breastfeed often.
Allow others to help with household chores and caring for other children.
Apply ice packs or hot packs to your breasts — whichever gives you the most comfort.
Heat will help drain the breast and provide pain relief.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Take pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Wear a supportive bra that does not cause painful pressure.