By Dr. Nancy Brent

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast, which if progresses, can lead to a breast infection. Mastitis usually presents with breast pain, redness and warmth. In addition to a red and tender breast, you may feel tired and have body aches.

Early signs of mastitis include pain in a localized area of the breast, which may be tender to touch, appear red and feel warmer than the rest of your skin. This typically occurs on just one breast. The tender area may also feel hard underneath the skin. You may or may not have a fever.

Conditions

Some risk factors for developing mastitis are pumping, and pumping more milk than your baby needs and prior history of mastitis. You may first feel a slightly tender, hard area in the breast. If you have none of the symptoms mentioned above, you can initially manage this as a plugged duct. You can see our post about How to Heal a Plugged Duct for more information. However, if you have a fever or feel you are getting sick, or if the breast is very red, you should contact your health care provider.

Treatment

Early on, mastitis may be limited to the inflammatory process. Current treatment consists of applying ice or cold compresses, as cold helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen can help, in addition to wearing a supportive, but not constrictive, bra. Avoid deep massage, as this will increase inflammation. Breastfeeding should continue, however don’t nurse more or express more milk on the affected breast. If there is no improvement within 24 hours, or if your  symptoms worsen, contact your health care provider. You may be prescribed antibiotics to treat the mastitis, which are safe with breastfeeding. There is no need to pump and dump your milk. Increase your fluid intake and rest as much as possible. These supportive measures can help you feel better faster and protect your milk supply.

Dr. Nancy Brent is the former Medical Director of the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh.