What is it?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast which can lead to an infection. Symptoms include areas of your breast feeling painful, red and swollen. You may also experience flu-like symptoms such as chills, fever or aches.
Why?
Non-infectious mastitis is due to a blocked milk duct or problems with breastfeeding.
This can lead to infectious mastitis, which is caused by bacteria.
How to avoid and treat mastitis
- If you have an infection, contact your healthcare professional. They’ll suggest ways you can relieve the pain and prescribe an antibiotic that’s safe to take while breastfeeding
- Keep feeding ‘on demand’, because you need to keep your milk flowing. This will also help to unblock the milk-duct
- Massage any hard lumps in your breast towards the nipple while you’re breastfeeding
- Try different feeding positions to empty different parts of your breast
- Check your bra isn’t too tight
- Get lots of rest and drink plenty of water
- Ask your midwife to check your baby is in the right position when feeding