Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Mastitis is a breast inflammation usually caused by infection. It can happen to any woman. But it's most common during the first 6 months of breastfeeding, especially during the baby's first 2 months. After 2 months, the baby's feeding patterns become more regular, which helps prevent mastitis. Mastitis can leave a new mother feeling very tired and run-down. Add the illness to the demands of taking care of a newborn, and many women quit breastfeeding altogether. But you can keep nursing your baby. In fact, breastfeeding usually helps to clear up infection. Nursing won't harm your baby. Mastitis can be discouraging and painful. But it is usually easily cleared up with medicine. Mastitis most often happens when bacteria enter the breast through the nipple. This can happen when a nursing mother has a cracked or sore nipple. Going for a long time between nursing sessions or not emptying the breast completely may also make mastitis more likely. If you have mastitis, you may first notice: These first symptoms may start after you have reopened a blocked milk duct. Signs that mastitis is getting worse include swollen and painful lymph nodes in the armpit next to the infected breast, a fast heart rate, and flu-like symptoms that get worse. Mastitis can lead to a breast abscess, which feels like a hard, painful lump. The symptoms of mastitis most often appear within 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. Your doctor can usually diagnose mastitis based on your symptoms and by checking your affected breast. Tests usually aren't needed. Treatment for mastitis includes taking antibiotics and regularly emptying your breast by breastfeeding or pumping your breast milk. Self-care includes taking acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) and using hot or cold compresses to ease your discomfort. Treating mastitis right away helps keep the infection from getting worse and usually eases symptoms. Nursing moms sometimes get mastitis when bacteria enter the breast through a cracked or sore nipple. Taking these steps can help prevent mastitis. Routine breastfeeding prevents bacteria from building up. If you know you'll go more than 4 hours without feeding your baby, arrange to pump. If you drink something while you breastfeed, it can help you stay hydrated. When you and your baby are aligned, the baby can latch on to the areola, not just the nipple. This can help drain all areas of your breast. Try breastfeeding positions such as the Australian hold, the cradle hold, the cross-cradle hold, the football hold, and the side-lying position. Gradual weaning helps prevent your breasts from getting too full. If you have mastitis, you may first notice: These first symptoms may start after you have reopened a blocked milk duct. Signs that mastitis is getting worse include swollen and painful lymph nodes in the armpit next to the infected breast, a fast heart rate, and flu-like symptoms that get worse. The symptoms of mastitis most often appear within 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. In some cases, symptoms of mastitis get worse and the breast forms a pocket of pus (abscess) in the infected area. Thrush (yeast infection) can occur in your baby's mouth and spread to your nipples and breast ducts. You may have a yeast infection if you have: If you have yeast infection symptoms, both your nipples and your baby's mouth should be checked for thrush. Thrush can also begin with a sudden start of pain or burning when breastfeeding has been going well without problems. Symptoms of a breast abscess include a breast lump that is hard and painful and a reddened area on the breast. You may also have flu-like symptoms that are getting worse. Your doctor can usually diagnose mastitis based on your symptoms and by checking your affected breast. Tests usually aren't needed. But tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis. They may also be done to help guide treatment for other problems that can develop. If you have an infection that isn't improving with treatment, your doctor may do a breast milk culture. To provide a sample for a culture, you will squeeze a small sample of milk from the affected breast onto a sterile swab. The culture results help your doctor confirm a diagnosis and find out the specific bacteria causing the infection. Culture results may also be used to find out which antibiotic will work best for you. Your doctor can diagnose a breast abscess by checking your breast. If an abscess is too deep to check by touching it, your doctor may use a breast ultrasound. Ultrasound can also guide a needle to drain the abscess. A culture can then be done to identify the bacteria that are causing the abscess. Mastitis won't go away without treatment. Treating it right away helps keep the infection from quickly getting worse and usually eases symptoms after about 2 days. Delaying treatment can lead to an abscess, which can be harder to treat. Treatment usually includes: You can safely keep breastfeeding your baby or pumping breast milk to feed your baby during illness and treatment. Your breast milk is safe for your baby to drink. Any bacteria in your milk will be destroyed by the baby's digestive juices. Treatment for a breast abscess includes: Most women can keep breastfeeding with the affected breast while an abscess heals. With your doctor's approval, you can cover the abscess area with a light gauze dressing while you breastfeed. If you are told to stop breastfeeding from the affected breast while an abscess heals, you can keep breastfeeding from the healthy breast. Be sure to pump or express milk from the infected breast regularly. Taking antibiotics and continuing to breastfeed or pump will help clear up mastitis. You can also take these steps to feel better. Cold and heat can reduce pain in the sore breast. A breast that isn't quite so full can be easier for your baby to latch on to. If pus drains from your nipple, gently wash it off. Let your nipple air dry before you put your bra back on. You can also use a disposable breast pad to absorb the pus. If you have trouble breastfeeding, you can get more help and support from your doctor or a lactation consultant. Antibiotics are used to treat mastitis. But breastfeeding is also a great way to prevent bacteria from collecting in the breast. It can also shorten the time that the infection lasts. Your baby is the most efficient way to empty your breasts. And your milk is safe for your baby to drink. Your baby's digestive juices will destroy any bacteria in your milk. The heat from the washcloth can help increase milk flow. This can also increase milk flow. Try a lanolin-based cream, such as Lansinoh. Dry and clean pads are best. Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Mastitis While Breastfeeding
Condition Basics
What is mastitis?
What causes it?
What are the symptoms?
How is it diagnosed?
How is mastitis treated?
Prevention
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Symptoms
Thrush infection
Symptoms of a breast abscess
Exams and Tests
Diagnosing a breast abscess
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Treatment Overview
Treating a breast abscess
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Self-Care
Breastfeeding when you have mastitis
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Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: November 27, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardMastitis While Breastfeeding
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.