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Mastitis

5-minute read

Key facts

  • Mastitis is a common condition in breastfeeding mothers.
  • Some women are prone to developing mastitis and can have repeated episodes.
  • Mastitis causes ‘flu like’ symptoms, as well as breast redness, pain and swelling.
  • It’s important to see a doctor as early as possible if you feel you may have mastitis.
  • Keep breastfeeding or expressing if you are diagnosed with mastitis. Your milk will be safe for your baby.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast, usually caused by a blocked milk duct. When breast milk banks up behind the blocked duct, it cannot flow out of the nipple and instead is forced into the surrounding breast tissues. This causes the breast to become inflamed. Sometimes infection also occurs.

What causes mastitis?

Some women are more prone to mastitis than others. There are a range of common causes for mastitis including:

  • poor attachment to the breast
  • nipple damage
  • a long break between breastfeeds
  • breasts that are too full — ‘engorged
  • blocked milk ducts
  • stopping breastfeeding too quickly
  • wearing an overly tight bra or tight clothing
  • a baby with tongue tie who is having problems attaching to the breast
  • holding the breast too tightly during breastfeeds
  • trauma to the breast from a kicking toddler or seat belt

What are the symptoms of mastitis?

Early symptoms of mastitis can be similar to getting the ‘flu’. Shivers, shakes, aching bones and generally feeling unwell are common experiences. You may feel a sore spot in your breast, similar to a blocked duct, but worse. Part of the breast may appear red, shiny and swollen. Your breast may also feel hot to touch and painful. Mastitis symptoms can happen very quickly.

Is mastitis infectious?

Mastitis can be caused by either blocked milk ducts — non-infective mastitis, or a bacterial infection — infective mastitis. When there is a breakdown in the protective barrier of the skin, like from a cracked nipple, bacteria can enter the breast and cause an infection.

How is mastitis treated?

Antibiotics help to clear the infection and prevent further complications. See your doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have mastitis.

Warmth and cold

A combination of warmth and cold can help to soothe and relieve symptoms of mastitis. Cold packs can help to relieve inflammation. Warmth can be applied just before feeding though only for a few minutes. Warmth can also help to trigger the ‘let-down’ reflex which will help to clear the blockage and relieve pain.

Use warmth from a warm shower or use a heat pack, a covered hot water bottle, warm hand towel or face washer wrung out in hot water.

Other ways you can help treat mastitis include the following:

  • Make sure your baby is feeding well on the affected breast — offering the affected breast first can help.
  • Change your baby’s feeding position during breastfeeds.
  • Aim for frequent drainage of the breast using breast compression when breastfeeding and expressing your breasts.
  • If the blockage doesn’t clear within 8 to 12 hours or you start to feel unwell, see your doctor.
  • Take paracetamol in the recommended dose — speak with your doctor or a pharmacist if you’re unsure.
  • Rest and sleep when you can — recovery from mastitis is usually quick though relies on frequent feeding, the correct antibiotic treatment and self-care.

If you suspect you have mastitis, see your doctor as soon as possible. It can be difficult to distinguish between simple inflammation and a bacterial infection in the early stages.

Can I breastfeed if I have mastitis?

It’s important to keep breastfeeding if you have mastitis. Feeding your baby more frequently will help to keep your breasts as empty as possible and drain the milk from your breast.

When breastfeeding, make sure to:

  • offer the affected side first and encourage your baby to suck effectively
  • offer the other breast as well, this will help to avoid engorgement and potential mastitis in the other breast
  • ensure your baby is well positioned and attached to your breast when they feed
  • loosen your bra or take it off for feeds
  • aim to relax during feeding, this will help you to ‘let down’ and for the milk to flow
  • gently massage your breast by stroking towards the nipple
  • if your baby does not feed well, gently express your breast milk

Can I prevent mastitis?

There are a few things which can be useful to prevent mastitis:

  • Breastfeed as often as your baby needs — frequent breastfeeding helps to drain the breasts.
  • Avoid missing feeds.
  • Wake your baby to breastfeed if your breasts feel engorged or uncomfortably full.
  • Offer both breasts when you feed — if you’re only feeding on one side, offer the alternate side the next time you feed.
  • Express a small amount of milk after feeds if your breasts are still full — express for comfort, not to empty your breasts.
  • Avoid giving your baby formula feeds or other fluids unless you’ve been advised to by a health care professional.
  • Avoid placing any pressure on your breasts when you’re feeding.
  • Aim to rest during the day when your baby is asleep.

Resources and support

See your doctor, a lactation consultant or your child health nurse for support. They will be able to watch your baby feeding and give you some guidance on attaching your baby for feeds.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: June 2022


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Need more information?

Mastitis | Australian Breastfeeding Association

If your breast is sore, lumpy, hot and red and you have a fever, you may have mastitis.

Read more on Australian Breastfeeding Association website

Mastitis, blocked duct & breast abscess | Raising Children Network

If you think you have a blocked milk duct, you can treat it at home to start with. If you think you have mastitis or a breast abscess, see your GP as soon as possible.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Engorgement and mastitis - MyDr.com.au

If you experience difficulties with breastfeeding seek the advice of a midwife, lactation consultant, the Australian Breastfeeding Association or your doctor.

Read more on myDr website

Newborns breastfeeding & bottle-feeding | Raising Children Network

All you need to know on breastfeeding and bottle-feeding newborns. Get articles, videos and resources on breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, mastitis and more.

Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website

Breast engorgement

Engorgement is when your breasts are overfull with milk and fluids. It is usually temporary and will lessen to adjust to your baby's needs.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples

Sore, cracked or bleeding nipples are common problems when you’re breastfeeding. Learn more about attachment issues, causes and treatment.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Breastfeeding – mastitis and other nipple and breast problems - Better Health Channel

Mastitis affects some breastfeeding women and may be caused by blocked milk ducts or a bacterial infection.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is learnt over the first weeks and months of your child’s life. It is a unique and special experience for families as no two mothers or babies are the same.

Read more on Karitane website

Common breastfeeding issues | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government

Learn about common problems and solutions to help you establish breastfeeding.

Read more on Queensland Health website

Breastfeeding challenges - Ngala

Many new mothers experience breastfeeding challenges

Read more on Ngala website

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