Can I still breastfeed if I have mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation in breast tissue. One area may feel tender, warm, swollen, or firm, and you may feel unwell or develop a fever. It can occur when milk is not draining comfortably, but it is not a reason to stop feeding suddenly. Your milk remains suitable for your baby in typical mastitis, although pain or a shallow latch may make feeds harder.

Feed responsively and avoid suddenly lengthening gaps between feeds. Let your baby lead the feed, check positioning and attachment, and use gentle comfort measures such as rest, fluids, and a cool pack after feeding. Avoid forceful breast massage or trying to empty the breast repeatedly, as this can worsen inflammation. If feeding is too painful, express only enough for comfort and ask a lactation consultant to assess the latch.

Contact a clinician if you feel increasingly unwell, have a fever that persists, worsening redness or pain, or no improvement after supportive care. Urgent review is needed for severe illness, faintness, confusion, or a rapidly enlarging painful area. A clinician can decide whether antibiotics or assessment for an abscess is needed; do not stop breastfeeding unless specifically advised.

Ask whether your symptoms fit mastitis, how to protect milk supply while recovering, and whether a medication is compatible with breastfeeding. If feeds hurt, ask for a latch check and whether a lactation consultation could help.