Mastitis is when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful. It's most common in breastfeeding women, but women who are not breastfeeding and men can also get it. Mastitis usually only affects 1 breast, and symptoms often come on quickly. They include: You may also get flu-like symptoms, such as aches, a high temperature, chills and tiredness. soak a cloth in warm water and place it on your breast to help relieve the pain – a warm shower or bath may also help rest and drink lots of fluids take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any pain or fever if you are breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed start feeds with the sore breast firstCheck if you have mastitis
Things you can do
Do
express milk from your breast in between feeds
massage your breast to clear any blockages – stroke from the lumpy or sore area towards your nipple to help the milk flow
Don’t
do not wear tight-fitting clothing or bras until you feel better
do not take aspirin
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you do not feel better within 24 hours despite continuing to breastfeed
- you get mastitis and you are not breastfeeding
- your symptoms do not get any better 48 hours after taking antibiotics
Treatment for mastitis from a GP
A GP will usually prescribe antibiotics.
If you're breastfeeding a very small amount of the antibiotic may go into your breast milk. There is no risk to your baby, but it might make them irritable and restless.
What to do if mastitis comes back
If you are breastfeeding and keep getting mastitis, it might be due to problems with positioning and attaching.
If you have any breastfeeding problems, it's important to ask for help from a midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.
Information:
You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm, daily)
Causes of mastitis
Mastitis is common in breastfeeding women as it can be caused by a build-up of milk.
Women who are not breastfeeding can also get mastitis, as can men. This can happen due to:
- smoking – toxins found in tobacco can damage breast tissue
- damage to the nipple, such as a piercing or skin condition like eczema
- you have a breast implant
- having a weak immune system due to a health condition like diabetes
- shaving or plucking hairs from around your nipples
Page last reviewed: 29 October 2019
Next review due: 29 October 2022
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- Full breasts
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that can lead to infection. Mastitis can feel like you have the flu; you may feel hot and have body aches and pains.
Common causes
- Poor attachment to the breast
- Nipple damage
- A long break between breastfeeds
- Breasts that are too full
- Blocked milk ducts
- Stopping breastfeeding too quickly
- Overly tight bra
- A baby with tongue-tie who is having problems attaching to the breast
Signs and symptoms
- A red, sore area on the breast
- Flu-like symptoms – feeling hot and cold with aching joints
Prevention
- Breastfeed as often as your baby needs (normally 8 to 12 times in 24 hours for a new baby).
- Don’t miss or put off breastfeeds.
- Wake your baby for a feed if your breasts become too full. If your baby doesn’t want to feed you may need to express a small amount of milk.
- See a lactation consultant or maternal and child health nurse to make sure your baby is attaching and feeding well at your breast.
- Offer both breasts at each feed. If your baby only feeds from one breast make sure to offer the alternate breast at the next feed.
- Express a small amount of milk after feeds if your breasts still feel full – express only until your breasts feel comfortable.
- Avoid giving your baby formula feeds or other fluids unless advised to by a midwife, nurse or doctor.
- Avoid pressure on your breasts from clothes or from your fingers when feeding.
- Try to get some rest during the day when your baby is asleep.
Treatment
It is important to start treatment at the first signs of mastitis.
- Your breast milk is safe for your baby even if you have mastitis, so continue to breastfeed or express from the affected breast.
- Place a heat pack or warm cloths on the sore area before feeding or expressing to help with your milk flow. If your milk is flowing easily then warm packs are not needed.
- Gently massage any breast lumps towards the nipple when feeding or expressing or when in the shower or bath.
- Continue to breastfeed or express your sore breast until it feels more comfortable.
- Place a cool pack, such as a packet of frozen peas wrapped in a cloth, on the breast after feeding or expressing for a few minutes to reduce discomfort.
- You can take tablets for the pain such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. They are safe to take while breastfeeding.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day (up to 8 glasses).
- Rest as much as possible. Ask your partner, family or friends for help with household tasks.
- If you don’t start to feel better after a few hours, you should see a doctor as soon as you can. When making the appointment tell the clinic you think you have mastitis.
- If antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor, take as directed. It is safe to continue to breastfeed when taking these antibiotics.
Disclaimer
The Women’s does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or use of such information or advice) which is provided on the Website or incorporated into it by reference. The Women’s provide this information on the understanding that all persons accessing it take responsibility for assessing its relevance and accuracy. Women are encouraged to discuss their health needs with a health practitioner. If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your health care provider or if you require urgent care you should go to the nearest Emergency Dept.