Mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of breast tissue most commonly found in new mothers who are lactating. According to WebMD, approximately 1 in 5 breastfeeding women develop mastitis sometime during their babies’ first 6 months of life. Although it usually occurs within the first six weeks after birth, it can happen at any time – even in women who are not lactating (although this is rare).

Mastitis is characterized by pain, swelling, and redness of the breast. It can occur when bacteria, often from the baby's mouth, enter a milk duct through a crack in the nipple. It usually affects only one breast and may be accompanied by other symptoms, including:

• Flu-like symptoms such as chills, fatigue, and general body aches that get progressively worse

• Fever of 101 F or higher

• Cracked nipples or engorgement

Diagnosis

It is possible to develop the swelling and pain of mastitis without an infection; however, it is difficult to determine the difference without a thorough examination by a doctor. So if you suspect you have mastitis, make an appointment with your health care provider. There are no tests to diagnose mastitis, but your doctor will base his or her opinion on your symptoms and a physical examination.

Treatment

If you have mastitis, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the infection; however, antibiotics are not always necessary. Along with a course of antibiotics, the following can help relieve the engorgement, pain, and speed your recovery:

Get plenty of rest

• Alternate hot and cold compresses on the affected breast

• Gently massage the affected breast to increase circulation

• Breastfeed or pump on the affected side to reduce engorgement and pressure

• Take Ibuprofen (Advil, Aleve) for pain and inflammation, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain

• Drink plenty of fluids

If you are given antibiotics and the symptoms don’t subside, check back with your doctor as a rare form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer has many of the same symptoms and can easily be misdiagnosed as mastitis.

There are certain factors that put you at an increased risk for developing mastitis, including:

• If you’ve had mastitis before

• If you use only one position to breastfeed – this may not fully drain your breasts

• Wearing a tight-fitting bra or breast binders to halt milk production

• Sore or cracked nipples

There is no reason to stop breastfeeding if you develop mastitis – in fact, nursing can help to clear it. The bacteria that cause mastitis will not harm your baby, although they can increase the sodium content in your breastmilk which can give it a salty taste. Most babies don’t notice the taste or aren’t bothered by it, but if your baby doesn’t like it and refuses to nurse on that side, begin feeding on the other side and finish on the affected breast or pump on that side and feed from the other. If it hurts to nurse your baby on the affected breast, begin with the other breast and finish on the sore breast once your milk has fully let down.

Prevention

To minimize your chance of developing mastitis, be sure to fully drain the milk in your breasts during breastfeeding or pumping. Alternate which breast you begin breastfeeding on each time and use different positions to ensure all the ducts are drained.