What to expect from lactation consultation for mastitis

The consultant will ask about breast pain, swelling, warmth, redness, feverish feelings and how quickly symptoms changed. They may observe a feed, assess attachment and discuss pumping, missed feeds or pressure on the breast. Mastitis can involve inflammatory swelling, and infection may also be present; a lactation consultant can support feeding while a clinician decides whether medication is appropriate. You can discuss maintaining milk supply and feeding safely while you recover.

Feed responsively and avoid trying to completely empty the breast through extra pumping. Use a comfortable position, take breaks to rest and apply cool packs between feeds if they soothe swelling. Avoid deep massage and strong pressure over the inflamed area. Take only medicines recommended for you, particularly if you have allergies, other conditions or are taking other medicines. Keep the care plan from the consultant and clinician together.

Contact a clinician promptly for fever, shaking chills, rapidly spreading redness, severe or escalating pain, pus-like discharge, marked weakness or symptoms that fail to improve. Urgent help is needed for confusion, fainting or difficulty breathing. Do not wait for a routine lactation appointment when you feel significantly unwell.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest inflammation or infection, which pain relief is suitable while breastfeeding, how to adjust pumping, and what improvement should look like over the next few days.