Mastitis is marked by influenza-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache), firm, painful red area(s) on the breast, and poor emptying). Treatment includes application of heat, rest, emptying the breast, and antibiotics. Risk factors for developing mastitis include inadequate emptying of the breast, cracked nipples, and fatigue. It is not dangerous to the baby, so recommendations are to continue breastfeeding during treatment.

Symptoms:

• Mother has fever
• An area on the breast is red and painful
• Mother has flu-like symptoms (achy feeling)
• Milk production has declined
• Baby may not be interested in nursing on that side
• Mother has a previous plugged duct that never fully resolved

Prevention

• Ensure a good latch
• Breastfeed at least 8 times every 24 hours, and every time the baby shows signs of hunger
• Let the baby release the breast to end the feed
• Avoid long intervals between feeds
• Follow basic engorgement prevention recommendations
• If plugged duct arises, treat aggressively
• Avoid tight clothing or other things that can press against sensitive milk ducts (ex: shoulder strap in the car, purse or diaper bag strap, too tight bra, or pulling bra over the breast to breastfeed
• Ask for help from family and friends for non-infant-care chores
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids and avoid overdoing it

Simple Comfort Measures

Before the Feed:

• Apply warm (not hot) compresses over the affected area

During the Feed:

• Breastfeed on both breasts, beginning with the affected breast
• Begin feeding on the side with the plugged duct
• Gently massage the lumpy area while baby is feeding

After the Feed:

• Remove milk by hand or with a quality breast pump if breast is still uncomfortably full
• REST
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Be vigilant about hand washing

Other Things to Keep in Mind:

• Baby can continue to breastfeed
• Do not stop breastfeeding. Breasts need to be well drained
• Put the baby to breast whenever he shows signs of hunger
• Always contact the doctor if mother is running a fever or has flu-like symptoms; encourage her to consult her physician if symptoms do not improve after beginning an antibiotic regimen

Refer When

• Mother reports fever and/or flu-like symptoms, or a reddened area on her breast