What should you know about mastitis starting?

Mastitis is inflammation in breast tissue. It may appear during breastfeeding, especially when milk is not moving comfortably, but breast inflammation can have other causes too. You may notice one area becoming painful, firm, hot or red. Chills, tiredness, body aches or a raised temperature can occur alongside breast changes. These features describe a pattern, not a diagnosis; a clinician may need to examine you and ask how quickly the symptoms developed.

Rest when you can, drink to thirst, and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for short periods to ease swelling. Continue feeding or expressing in a way that feels manageable; avoid forceful massage, deep pressure or trying to empty the breast repeatedly, because this can irritate tissue. Check that the baby’s latch and position are comfortable. A lactation consultant can watch a feed and suggest adjustments. For related information, see Breast Pain and Painful Breastfeeding.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you feel unwell, have chills or a high temperature, develop rapidly worsening redness or swelling, or cannot feed or express because of pain. Seek urgent help for faintness, confusion, breathing difficulty or severe weakness. Arrange review if a firm area persists, symptoms do not begin to settle, or a lump becomes more prominent; an abscess and other breast conditions can need different care.

Ask what might be causing the inflammation, whether you need an examination or imaging, how to continue feeding safely, and which pain-relief options fit your health and breastfeeding situation. Mention any recent nipple damage, blocked-feeling areas, medicines, allergies or previous episodes.