Mastitis
Definition | Symptoms | Treatment | Special Instructions | Preventive Action | After Care | Additional Information | Contact us
What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast. It is a common condition in lactating women. Most cases occur in the first 6 weeks, although mastitis can occur at any time during lactation. The condition can sometimes be reversed with fluids, good breast drainage and Ibuprofen.
Mastitis can be non-infected or infected. It is not contagious. It can be treated with antibiotics. Long periods without breastfeeding or pumping, engorgement and poor draining of the breast during feeds can lead to mastitis. Other risk factors include sore cracked nipples, plugged ducts, irregular feeding schedules, stress and fatigue.
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Symptoms
Symptoms include a hot, red, swollen, tender area in the breast with fever, chills and flu-like aching. These can be of very sudden onset.
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Treatment
Frequent and effective milk removal is important in the treatment of mastitis. Moms should breastfeed more frequently starting on the affected breast. Using warm, moist packs prior to feeding and massaging the breast during feeding can help drain milk from the breast.
Rest, adequate fluids and nutrition are also needed as maternal stress, fatigue and malnutrition have been associated with mastitis.
Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen can decrease inflammation and help with the milk ejection reflex. If symptoms do not improve within 12 to 24 hours, antibiotics are usually started. Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve. A breast abscess is rare and may follow untreated or repeated bouts of mastitis. It may require drainage.
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Special Instructions
It is not necessary to take the baby off breastfeeding for mastitis. If the baby does not want to nurse on the affected side, start on the other breast and switch to the affected breast for the end of the feeding. If the breast has not been drained well, express additional milk after the feeding. If antibiotics are prescribed be sure to finish the entire course. Do not stop taking antibiotic medication when symptoms improve.
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Preventive Action
Breastfeed often (at least 8 to 12 times per day); pump or express milk if a feeding is missed; avoid tight restrictive bras; take steps to reduce stress and fatigue (nap when the baby naps, get help with household tasks and limit commitments to other outside activities).
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After Care
Milk supply may go down after a bout with mastitis. It is important to feed the baby more often and to pump the breasts for more stimulation of milk production if that happens. Watch for yeast infections, since they often follow a course of antibiotics.
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Additional Information
It is important to see your doctor if symptoms do not improve or if you have repeated episodes of mastitis to rule out more serious underlying causes.
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Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Rev. 4/06
