Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that can lead to infection. Mastitis can feel like you have the flu; you may feel hot and have body aches and pains.

Common causes

• Poor attachment to the breast
• Nipple damage
• A long break between breastfeeds
• Breasts that are too full
• Blocked milk ducts
• Stopping breastfeeding too quickly
• Overly tight bra
• A baby with tongue-tie who is having problems attaching to the breast

Signs and symptoms

• A red, sore area on the breast
• Flu-like symptoms – feeling hot and cold with aching joints

Prevention

• Breastfeed as often as your baby needs (normally 8 to 12 times in 24 hours for a new baby).
• Don’t miss or put off breastfeeds.
• Wake your baby for a feed if your breasts become too full. If your baby doesn’t want to feed you may need to express a small amount of milk.
• See a lactation consultant or maternal and child health nurse to make sure your baby is attaching and feeding well at your breast.
• Offer both breasts at each feed. If your baby only feeds from one breast make sure to offer the alternate breast at the next feed.
• Express a small amount of milk after feeds if your breasts still feel full – express only until your breasts feel comfortable.
• Avoid giving your baby formula feeds or other fluids unless advised to by a midwife, nurse or doctor.
• Avoid pressure on your breasts from clothes or from your fingers when feeding.
• Try to get some rest during the day when your baby is asleep.

Treatment

It is important to start treatment at the first signs of mastitis.

• Your breast milk is safe for your baby even if you have mastitis, so continue to breastfeed or express from the affected breast.
• Place a heat pack or warm cloths on the sore area before feeding or expressing to help with your milk flow. If your milk is flowing easily then warm packs are not needed.
• Gently massage any breast lumps towards the nipple when feeding or expressing or when in the shower or bath.
• Continue to breastfeed or express your sore breast until it feels more comfortable.
• Place a cool pack, such as a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth, on the breast after feeding or expressing for a few minutes to reduce discomfort.
• You can take tablets for the pain such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. They are safe to take while breastfeeding.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day (up to 8 glasses).
• Rest as much as possible. Ask your partner, family or friends for help with household tasks.
• If you don’t start to feel better after a few hours, you should see a doctor as soon as you can. When making the appointment tell the clinic you think you have mastitis.
• If antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor, take as directed. It is safe to continue to breastfeed when taking these antibiotics.

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