Overview

Mastitis is a breast inflammation that can sometimes become an infection. It can happen to anyone who breastfeeds. You can keep breastfeeding your baby. In fact, it is important to continue to breastfeed, and breastfeeding with mastitis won't harm your baby.

If you have mastitis, you may first notice a painful area on one breast. It may be red, warm to the touch, or both. You may also have a fever and have chills, aches, and flu-like symptoms.

One of the main causes of mastitis is when your breasts make more milk than your baby needs. You may be more at risk for mastitis if you use a nipple shield or are exclusively pumping. Taking these steps can help prevent mastitis.

• Breastfeed regularly, following your baby’s cues to feed. Most breastfed infants will cue spontaneously for feeds between 1 to 3 hours. If your baby does not wake up by 3 hours, then you should wake them, especially in the first 2 weeks of life.

  If you are separated from your baby and will miss feeds, arrange to pump or hand express your breasts until they soften and feel comfortable. Try not to remove more milk than your baby needs.

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Position yourself well and position your baby's tummy to your tummy.

  When you and your baby are aligned, the baby can latch on to the areola, not just the nipple, and will be able to empty your breast.

• Use different positions.

  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.

• Alternate which breast you offer first.
• Wear a bra that isn't too tight or restrictive.
• Avoid deep breast massage or massaging your breasts towards your nipple. This can cause damage to your breast tissue.
• Try to rest. Ask your partner, family, and friends to help you at home.