Things that can help with mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation in breast tissue. One area may feel swollen, hot, firm, or tender, and the skin can look red. You may also feel feverish, achy, or unusually tired. It can occur during breastfeeding and may follow pressure on the breast or difficulty with milk removal, but infection is not the only possible explanation.

Painful breastfeeding can result from positioning or attachment problems, nipple injury, or inflammation. A lactation consultant can watch a feed and help adjust the latch, breast support, and feeding pattern.

Continue breastfeeding or expressing if it is comfortable, but do not forcefully empty the breast or massage a painful area deeply. Feed according to your baby’s cues, vary positions, and use gentle hand expression only when needed. A cold pack wrapped in cloth can ease swelling; rest, fluids, and approved pain relief may also help.

Avoid tight clothing, prolonged heat, and aggressive pumping. Check that your baby is attached well and ask for skilled support if feeding remains painful. Your clinician may decide that prescription treatment is needed after considering your symptoms.

Contact a clinician if symptoms are getting worse, you feel very unwell, a lump remains, or there is no clear improvement after supportive care. Seek urgent help for severe illness, confusion, faintness, breathing difficulty, or rapidly spreading redness. Breast pain with a persistent lump also needs examination.

Ask whether your symptoms fit inflammatory mastitis or need treatment, which pain relief is compatible with breastfeeding, and whether a lactation consultation could improve attachment. Ask how to recognise an abscess and when to arrange a review.