What should you know about puerperal mastitis treatment?

Mastitis may cause a tender, firm, swollen, or warm area of one breast, with redness and flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, or body aches. Milk stasis, a shallow latch, missed feeds, pressure from tight clothing, or nipple damage can contribute. A painful breast does not by itself prove that bacteria are present, so assessment helps guide treatment.

Continue breastfeeding or expressing if it is comfortable, but avoid forceful massage and excessive pumping, which can worsen swelling. Feed responsively, check positioning and attachment, rest, drink to thirst, and use cool packs between feeds. A lactation consultant can help correct latch and milk-removal problems. A clinician may prescribe antibiotics when bacterial infection is suspected; complete the prescribed course unless advised otherwise.

Contact a clinician promptly for fever, worsening redness, increasing pain, or symptoms that do not start improving with supportive care. Urgent assessment is needed for severe illness, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or a fluctuant lump that may suggest an abscess. Do not wait if you are unable to keep fluids down or feel rapidly worse.

Ask whether the pattern suggests inflammation or infection, whether antibiotics are needed, how to continue feeding safely, how to check for an abscess, and when reassessment should happen.