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Mastitis
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Mastitis (mass-TIE-tis) is a breast infection that occurs
in nursing mothers. It is not a serious problem, but without
care it can cause pain. Mastitis occurs most often during the
3rd or 4th week of breastfeeding.
Causes
Cracked nipples, a plugged milk
tube, or a part of the breast that has not been emptied of milk
can cause mastitis. The infection is in the breast tissue and
not in your milk. It usually involves one breast.
Signs/Symptoms
The first signs of mastitis are
redness, pain, swelling, and hardness in an area of your
breast. You may also have fever, chills, headache, flu-like
pain, nausea, and vomiting. Your breast could feel hot to the
touch.
Care
Your doctor will give you a kind
of medicine called an antibiotic to treat your breast
infection. Take it until it is all gone, even if your breast
feels better. You do not need to stop breastfeeding. The
medicine and infection will not hurt your baby.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Take your medicine as directed by your
doctor.
-
Before breastfeeding:
-
Fifteen minutes before nursing, put warm moist heat
to your sore breast. Use a washcloth or small towel
dipped in semi-hot water. Wring it out and put it in a
plastic bag.
-
Hold the bag to your breast for 15 to 20 minutes.
Do this again after breast-feeding. Warm heat opens the
milk tubes to help your milk come down. The heat may also
help your breast pain.
-
Wash your hands and nipples with soap and water.
Begin nursing on the sore breast to keep it emptied.
Nurse your baby on both breasts every 1 to 3 hours both
day and night.
-
Your doctor may suggest you use over-the-counter
medicine such as acetaminophen for fever or
pain.
-
Keep your nipples clean and dry between feedings.
Don't let your baby chew on your nipples instead of
sucking.
-
Drink 8 glasses (soda-can sized) of water or fruit
juices daily.
-
Rest until your fever is gone and your breast is not
sore.
-
Wear a nursing bra that is not tight, but feels good
and supports your breasts.
-
Do not sleep on your belly until your infection is
gone.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
Your fever and breast pain last more than 48
hours.
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You have a high temperature.
-
You have a painful swelling or lump in your breast.
This could mean you have a breast abscess (pocket of
pus).
-
You have swollen and tender glands in your armpit on
the same side as the infected breast.
-
You get sore nipples and severe, burning pain in your
breast.
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