Frequent mastitis: what to know

Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue, often during breastfeeding. A tender, swollen, warm, or reddened area may occur with breast pain, painful feeding, feverish feelings, chills, or fatigue. Milk stasis, pressure on the breast, missed feeds, a shallow latch, oversupply, nipple damage, or abrupt changes in feeding can contribute. Inflammation does not always mean a bacterial infection, so repeated episodes deserve assessment rather than repeated self-treatment. A persistent lump or area that does not settle needs clinical attention because other breast conditions can resemble mastitis.

Continue feeding or expressing in a comfortable way unless a clinician advises otherwise; sudden stopping can worsen fullness. Check latch and positioning, avoid forceful massage or aggressive pumping, and use comfortable support, rest, fluids, and cold packs for swelling. Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be suitable for some people, but check with a pharmacist or clinician if you have other conditions or take medicines. A lactation consultation can identify mechanical issues and help make feeding changes gradually.

Contact a clinician promptly for fever, worsening redness, severe pain, a growing lump, pus, or symptoms that are not improving. Seek urgent help if you feel faint, confused, severely unwell, or unable to keep fluids down. Arrange review for repeated episodes on the same side or a lump that remains after inflammation settles. Breastfeeding-related symptoms still warrant assessment when they persist.

Does this look mainly inflammatory or could infection be involved? Could latch, oversupply, or feeding intervals be contributing? Do I need an examination, breast imaging, or antibiotics? How can I protect milk supply while recovering? What should I do if the same area becomes painful again?