5 min. read While breastfeeding is one of the most natural things a woman can do, it isn’t always simple. Along with the special moments, there are some common breastfeeding issues that new breastfeeding mothers can encounter. One of these is mastitis, a condition which causes breast tissue to become sore or inflamed. A large cohort study revealed that slightly fewer than 10% of American women experience mastitis in the three months after giving birth. 4 It mostly occurs in breastfeeding women, however non-breastfeeding women can develop a type called periductal mastitis. This is caused by a bacterial infection in the milk ducts due to a cracked or sore nipple, or even a nipple piercing. Lactation Mastitis is a concern as it can make breastfeeding painful, and can hinder the bonding process or even compromise milk supply. It should be dealt with promptly to help mother and baby feel healthy and comfortable, and protect mother’s milk supply. So ‘how do you get mastitis?’, ‘what are the mastitis symptoms?’, and ‘can you breastfeed with mastitis?’: here we’ll answer all the most commonly asked questions about mastitis and how to deal with it. For further information, seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
What does mastitis feel like? As well as pain and discomfort, mastitis symptoms can also include tiredness and feeling run down. The early signs of mastitis include: 1 These mastitis symptoms are similar to engorged breast symptoms, but there is a key difference between the two. Mastitis differs from engorgement in that it usually only affects one part of the breast, rather than the entire two breasts.
While mastitis can occur at any time for a new mother, it is most common within the first two to three weeks after delivery. A common cause of this condition is lengthy gaps between feeding sessions, such as when the baby starts sleeping through the night. Other causes of mastitis are as follows: 2 In short, mastitis is usually caused by milk staying still in the breast for too long, known as milk stasis. It is the promotion of bacterial growth due to milk stasis that leads to the condition and symptoms of pain and fever. It is, therefore, important to ensure that milk is properly removed from breasts to avoid issues such as mastitis and engorgement.
The good news is that there are many ways to help prevent mastitis. Below are a few tips and tricks on how to avoid mastitis: 3
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See all benefits One of the most common questions for mothers breastfeeding with mastitis is ‘can I still breastfeed?’ The answer is yes. In fact, if mothers have mastitis, breastfeeding can actually help to clear up the infection without causing harm or negative side effects. 3,4,5 A healthcare professional should be contacted if symptoms of mastitis don’t start feeling better after 24 hours or if the symptoms worsen. Doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to help relieve mastitis, ensuring that any medication prescribed is breastfeeding safe.
Mastitis can feel uncomfortable, but there’s no need to panic or be discouraged. It is a common issue that many new mothers experience while first learning to breastfeed. Mothers can help minimize the chances of mastitis by following the advice in this article, but they shouldn’t hesitate to seek professional advice if they are concerned.
1 womenshealth.gov - Common breastfeeding challenges 2 U.S. National Library of Medicine - Management of breast conditions and other breastfeeding difficulties 3 World Health Organization - Mastitis Causes and Managemen - PDF 4 U.S. National Library of Medicine - A descriptive study of mastitis in Australian breastfeeding women: incidence and determinants 5 American Family Physician - Management of Mastitis in Breastfeeding Women 6 Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan - Mastitis While Breastfeeding
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