How to reduce the chance of mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation in breast tissue, often during breastfeeding. Milk may build up when attachment is shallow, feeds are missed, pressure restricts part of the breast or milk production exceeds removal. Inflammation can also occur without a clear blockage, and infection may sometimes develop.

Typical changes include a hot, tender or reddened area, breast swelling and feeling feverish or unwell. Breast pain alone has many possible causes, so the pattern and accompanying symptoms matter.

Feed responsively and allow your baby to finish rather than following a rigid emptying schedule. Check that the mouth takes a deep portion of the breast and that swallowing is comfortable. If feeding hurts, reposition and seek skilled help with attachment.

Avoid tight bras, straps or sustained pressure on the breast. Express only enough for comfort when a feed is missed or the breast is very full; repeated extra pumping can increase supply and contribute to ongoing fullness. Rest, drink to thirst and use a cool compress after feeding for swelling. Vigorous massage over a painful area can irritate tissue further.

Contact a clinician promptly if you develop fever, chills, flu-like illness, spreading redness, worsening pain or symptoms that are not settling with gentle self-care. Seek urgent assessment if you feel faint, confused, very weak, short of breath or rapidly more unwell.

A persistent or enlarging lump, pus or blood from the nipple, or a soft fluid-filled swelling also needs examination. Continue breastfeeding or expressing if you can tolerate it unless your clinician gives a specific reason to stop.

Ask whether your symptoms fit inflammation, infection, nipple damage or another cause; whether pain relief or antibiotics are appropriate; and how to adjust feeding or pumping without increasing supply. A lactation consultation can include observation of a feed, attachment guidance and a plan for recurrent fullness.