What should you know about fever and mastitis?

Mastitis may cause a tender, swollen, warm or reddened area of the breast, often with flu-like aching, chills or fever. It can affect one area or more of the breast. A blocked milk flow, inflammation or infection may contribute, and symptoms alone cannot establish the cause.

Pain during feeds, a cracked nipple, a firm area that does not soften, or a worsening red patch are useful details to report. A breast abscess can develop when a collection of infection is not settling, so persistent focal swelling needs review.

Continue feeding or expressing in a way that feels manageable unless a clinician tells you otherwise. Offer the affected breast normally, avoid forceful massage, and use a comfortable position with the baby's chin toward the tender area if practical.

Rest, drink to thirst, wear a supportive bra that is not tight, and use cool packs for comfort. Ask a clinician or pharmacist which pain or fever medicine fits your health and feeding plans. A lactation consultant can check attachment and milk removal.

Contact a clinician promptly if fever or flu-like symptoms persist, the red area expands, pain intensifies, a lump remains, or you feel increasingly unwell. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty or severe weakness.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest inflammatory or infective mastitis, how to protect milk supply, whether the nipple needs treatment, and when a persistent lump should be examined or scanned.