Mastitis

What Causes Mastitis?

Mastitis can occur in one or both breasts and can be inflammatory or infectious. Inflammatory mastitis is caused by an oversupply of milk, also known as hyperlactation. Having an oversupply of milk puts pressure on the milk ducts and can lead to extremely full or swollen breasts, or engorgement.

Infectious mastitis can occur when bacteria enter the milk ducts through sore, cracked nipples, leading to an infection.

Other problems that can cause mastitis include blocked milk ducts, an improper latch and inadequate milk drainage.

Mastitis Symptoms

Symptoms of mastitis often appear suddenly and can include:

• Breast tenderness or warmth.
• Breast tissue that is red or swollen.
• Red streaks on the breast.
• Breast tissue thickening or lumps.
• Pain or burning sensation in the breast that can occur both while breastfeeding or all the time.
• Flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, chills or fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Untreated mastitis can lead to a buildup of pus in the breast. Called an abscess, this mastitis complication may need to be surgically drained.

Who is at Risk for Mastitis?

Risk factors for mastitis include:

• A history of mastitis.
• Sore or cracked nipples.
• Putting pressure on the breasts that restricts milk flow, such as wearing a tight bra or seat belt over the breasts.
• Improper nursing technique.
• Excess stress or fatigue.
• Inadequate diet.
• Smoking.

Treating Mastitis

To avoid serious complications, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you suspect you have mastitis. If your provider determines the mastitis is bacterial, you may be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection. It’s important to take the entire prescribed course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, or the mastitis may come back. You can take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate symptoms such as fever and pain.

It’s important to keep the affected breast well-drained through frequent breastfeeding, pumping sessions or hand expression, as well as getting adequate rest and hydration.

If a latch problem is determined to be the source of mastitis, you can work with an international board-certified lactation consultant to help troubleshoot and improve your breastfeeding experience.

Preventing Mastitis

To prevent mastitis, consider the following tips:

• Work with a lactation consultant to ensure you have a proper latch and breastfeeding technique.
• Breastfeed your baby, pump or hand express often.
• Fully empty one breast before switching baby to the other breast when breastfeeding.
• Change your breastfeeding position from one feeding to the next.
• If you smoke, make an effort to quit.