What should you know about mastitis in lactating mothers?

A blocked or narrowed milk-flow area, breast fullness, nipple damage, or changes in feeding can contribute to inflammation. The breast may feel hot, firm, red, or painful, sometimes with feverishness, chills, or tiredness. A breast lump is a common presentation of several benign breast problems as well as mastitis, so a lump should be assessed by its pattern and how it changes rather than assumed to be one diagnosis.

Continue breastfeeding or expressing as comfortably advised; stopping suddenly can increase fullness. Feed responsively, check that the baby’s attachment is comfortable, rest, drink to thirst, and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for swelling. Avoid forceful massage, excessive pumping, or pressing hard on the breast. A lactation consultation can help correct attachment or milk-removal difficulties. A clinician may recommend pain relief or antibiotics depending on the examination.

Contact a clinician promptly if you feel unwell, develop fever or chills, notice rapidly increasing redness, or have worsening pain. Arrange review if symptoms do not start improving with supportive care, or if a firm area persists after inflammation settles. Emergency help is needed for confusion, faintness, trouble breathing, or severe weakness.

Ask whether the symptoms fit inflammatory mastitis, how to continue feeding safely, which pain medicines are compatible with breastfeeding, and when persistent redness or a lump needs imaging or follow-up.