Nursing Care for Mastitis: What to Know

Mastitis is inflammation in breast tissue, often during breastfeeding. The breast may feel tender, swollen, firm, warm, or reddened, and feeding may hurt. A blocked or narrowed area can make milk drainage less comfortable; irritation or a shallow latch can add nipple damage and make feeding harder.

The aim is not to forcefully empty the breast or massage a sore area aggressively. Excess pressure can increase tissue irritation. A lactation professional can assess positioning, latch, and pumping technique when pain continues.

Continue breastfeeding or expressing milk according to your baby’s usual needs if you can do so comfortably. Start on the less painful side if let-down is difficult, and use a position that avoids pressure on the tender area. Feed or express gently rather than adding extra sessions to chase complete emptying.

Rest, drink to thirst, and use a cool pack wrapped in cloth for short periods after feeding to ease swelling. A supportive, non-tight bra may feel more comfortable. Keep nipples clean and dry, and apply a suitable nipple-care product if cracking is present. Ask a clinician or pharmacist which pain relief is appropriate for you and compatible with breastfeeding.

For more focused help with latch, milk removal, or pumping, consider [Lactation Consultation](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/lactation-consultation/).

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you feel feverish or unwell, the breast redness or swelling is spreading, pain is severe, or symptoms are not easing with supportive care. Seek urgent assessment for confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, or a rapidly worsening illness.

A persistent, increasingly defined lump, fluid or pus from the nipple, or a pocket that feels soft in the centre needs examination because an abscess may require drainage. Breast pain and painful feeding can have several causes; see [Breast Pain](/symptoms/breast-pain/) and [Painful Breastfeeding](/symptoms/painful-breastfeeding/) for related guidance.

Ask: Could my latch or pump settings be irritating the breast? Should I change how often I feed or express? Which pain relief is suitable while breastfeeding? What signs would mean I need an examination, antibiotics, imaging, or drainage?