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Canberra Health Services
Health Information Sheet | Canberra Health Services

Breastfeeding and your baby - Mastitis

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue that can occur at any time from pregnancy, during breastfeeding and through to weaning your baby. This inflammation can progress to an infection. Mastitis will not affect your baby even though you may be feeling unwell and uncomfortable. Your milk is perfectly safe for your baby to drink.

How do I know if I have mastitis?

You may notice that you have a reddened area on your breast which may be hot, swollen, and painful. You may also experience one or more flu-like symptoms, such as:

  • feeling hot and cold
  • a high temperature (more than 38 °C)
  • a headache
  • aching joints
  • feeling tired and exhausted

How do I get mastitis?

Many things can lead to the development of mastitis such as:

  • engorgement of your breasts and/or oversupply of milk
  • feeding to a schedule, rather than on demand
  • missing or delaying breastfeeds
  • offering a bottle instead of a breastfeed
  • the way your baby is positioned or latched at your breast.
  • cracked or damaged nipples
  • weaning your baby from breastfeeding too quickly
  • wearing a tight, constricting bra or having items compressing the breast tissue (e.g. collection cups and healing/protective nipple coverings)
  • breast implants, breast surgery, nipple piercings
  • previous mastitis.
  • firm massage or handling of the breast.
  • immune factors such as illness in the family and poor sleep

If I think I have mastitis what can I do?

The most important thing you can do is to keep breastfeeding as usual. Your breastmilk is safe for your baby and maintaining milk flow reduces the risk of inflammation. You can:

  • keep your milk moving:
    • continue to breastfeed on demand. Young babies often need to feed 8-12 times, or more, in a 24-hour period.
    • gently warm your breast briefly before a feed to encourage milk flow. A warmed gel pack or cloth are easy options. Avoid using warmth at other times – it can worsen inflammation.
    • position and latch your baby well to help them remove milk from your breast easily.
    • stroke your breast very gently while feeding to encourage milk flow.
    • express milk for comfort if you are unable to feed your baby.
    • vary feeding positions to reduce breast swelling e.g. feeding in a reclined or side-lying position.
    • where possible try not to skip feeds e.g. sleeping through a feed while a family member feeds your baby.
  • avoid overstimulation
    • start each feed on the other breast to the last feed – you don’t need to start every feed with the affected breast.
    • avoid expressing or removing more milk than the baby needs.
  • reduce inflammation
    • avoid massaging your breast as this can make the inflammation worse.
    • apply cold packs after a feed to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
    • take anti-inflammatories or pain relief e.g. Ibuprofen or paracetamol. These are safe during breastfeeding.
    • rest as much as you can. Use the support of family and friends to help between feeds.
    • receive ultrasound treatment. This can be provided by a Women’s Health physiotherapist – see details below.

What happens if this doesn’t help?

  • seek professional advice and continue to breastfeed and/or express regularly.
  • if you have a fever, feel unwell, or the pain or inflammation is not improving within 12- 24 hours see your doctor or Walk-In Centre (WiC) as soon as possible. You may need antibiotics to treat mastitis.

How can I find more information?

Phone

  • Maternal Child and Family Health (MACH) Early Parenting Support line (02) 5124 1775 for free personalised Breastfeeding Support Appointments.
  • Australian Breastfeeding Association 24-hour Helpline: 1800 686 268.
  • Pregnancy Birth and Baby - 1800 882 436 (7am to midnight 7 days/ week).

Physiotherapy Therapeutic Ultrasound

Websites

Visit

  • Your GP / Walk-in Centre.
canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au