Did you know up to 1 in 10 breastfeeding moms in the U.S. get mastitis? It shows how common breast infections are for new mothers. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus cause these infections through broken or sore nipples. Milk production can lead to clogged breast ducts and swelling, contributing to breast infections. If not treated, they can turn into serious issues like a breast abscess which is a painful collection of infection within the breast. Knowing how to handle breast infections is key to keeping both mom and baby healthy.
It’s important for breastfeeding women to understand why breast infections happen and how to treat them. These infections hurt and can make breastfeeding difficult. Our Stork Advisor®️ guide helps you spot the early signs, learn about mastitis, and find the best ways to prevent and treat infections. In this article, we address mastitis related to breast-feeding. There are other uncommon forms of mastitis that are not related to breast-feeding.
Key Takeaways
- Mastitis affects up to 1 in 10 breastfeeding women in the U.S., especially within the first 3 months.
- Early signs of mastitis include breast pain, swelling, and flu-like symptoms.
- Most breast infections stem from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus through nipple cracks.
- Antibiotics, which are safe while breastfeeding, often treat the infection effectively.
- Keeping nipples cared for and breastfeeding often are key prevention measures.
If you have questions about breast infections, please send them to us on our Stork Advisor YouTube channel so that we can help. Dr. Stan is a board certified ob/gyn doctor. Dr. Cheryl is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife. We plan a weekly Stork Advisor session to answer your important questions. Send your questions for a chance to have them answered live on YouTube. This weekly event aims to support women through their pregnancy.
Introduction to Breast Infections
It’s important for moms who breastfeed to know about breast infections known as mastitis. The word implies inflammation of the breast, like tonsillitis means inflammation of the tonsils. They’re usually caused by skin bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. Other types of bacteria may also cause mastitis. These bacteria get into the breast through cracks in the skin, like in the nipples. That’s why knowing and treating this early matters.
Women who breastfeed their babies already know that their breasts are larger. Mastitis as a result of breast infection is more than a larger breast. It includes breast pain often associated with breast redness and skin that feels hot. A fever of 100.4 F or higher may result. Sometimes the nipple discharge changes. The mom might feel sick like having the flu. These are important signs of breast infection. This helps continue breastfeeding without much trouble. Acting fast can also prevent worse problems, like abscesses, that need serious treatment.
Treating these infections quickly with antibiotics helps a lot. It can help clear up the problem fast. Surprisingly, up to 20% of breastfeeding women might get mastitis again. This shows how crucial it is to breastfeed in the right way. Doing things like proper latching and feeding often prevents infections.
Common Causes of Breast Infections
It’s helpful to know why breast infections happen with breastfeeding. As the milk is being produced within the breast tissue, the ductal network within the breast system does not adequately drain. This may allow bacteria to enter the breast tissue and collection of milk through brakes in the skin. Bacteria entering through skin breaks can lead to subcutaneous tissue infections in the accumulation of milk and surrounding breast tissue. Inflammation from the infection results in swelling, redness, and pain. The site of infection may also feel warm or even hot to touch. These infections, like mastitis, mostly hit women who breastfeed. Let’s consider more about mastitis.
Bacterial Infections
There are many different kinds of bacteria that are more often attributed to mastitis. Infection occurs by the specific bacteria entering into the breast tissue through brakes in the skin such as cracked nipples or skin fissures. Microorganisms as Staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, E. coli, and Bacteroides cause bacterial breast infections. Such infections are common in breastfeeding moms due to milk getting trapped in the breast tissue. Clean habits and correct breastfeeding can lower this risk.
Cracked or Irritated Nipples
Cracked nipples can make you vulnerable to breast infections. Sometimes, breastfeeding techniques are a problem. The baby should have an appropriate latch on the nipple to prevent breaks in the surface of the breast. Prolonged breastfeeding may also cause skin problems. Make sure your baby feeds the right way. Skin care for your nipples helps avoid these problems. Good breastfeeding habits and routine skin care for the breasts are essential to prevent breast infections.
Identifying Symptoms of Breast Infections
Spotting signs of a breast infection early can help avoid worse problems. It’s crucial to know the key symptoms of breast infections for quick and right treatment.
Breast Pain and Swelling
The diagnosis of mastitis often begins with pain and swelling in the breast. Women might feel tenderness or a warm sensation, along with breast skin redness. It may seem like a breast lump is present.
Fever and Flu-like Symptoms
Fever and symptoms like nausea and tiredness maybe a result of mastitis. These signs, along with breast pain and swelling, are commonly associated with breast infections. Women who breastfeed may have a high fever with temperatures above 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius). It’s critical to address these symptoms to reduce swelling and fight the infection.
Nipple Discharge
Abnormal nipple drainage may be a sign of mastitis. Certain secretions could represent infected milk mixed with bacteria and pus. The bad smell and painful drainage may signal an ongoing infection, so your pregnancy care provider should be consulted. Ignoring these signs could lead to a breast abscess which requires more aggressive treatment.
Understanding Mastitis
Mastitis is breast inflammation with infection. Approximately 10% of breast-feeding women may experience this painful condition. It mainly occurs in the first three months after giving birth. You may read about other forms of mastitis, which are unrelated to breast-feeding.
Lactational mastitis comes from blocked milk ducts with bacterial infection. It makes breastfeeding painful and difficult. Preventing mastitis includes proper feeding techniques. Since infection is typically a result of milk that is not drained from the breast, frequent breast-feeding also prevents mastitis.
Antibiotic treatment is almost always needed for resolution of mastitis. Repeated mastitis is frequent, hitting 20% to 30% of breastfeeding moms. Untreated mastitis can lead to a more significant breast infection, sometimes becoming an abscess, which is a liquid collection of pus and bacteria that is trapped within breast tissue. Women who have a breast abscess are typically very sick with fever and pain. Surgical intervention is sometimes necessary to drain the abscess.
Getting mastitis doesn’t raise breast cancer risk. But if pain persists despite treatment, consider reevaluation by your pregnancy care provider. Breast imaging such as an ultrasound or mammogram may be helpful to learn more and to provide the right direction of care.
Mastitis usually affects one breast. In most cases, the infection can be easily treated with the proper antibiotic. Be aware of the symptoms so that you might get help when needed.
Differences Between Mastitis and Engorgement
Breast-feeding mothers should know the difference between mastitis and breast and engagement. Both may affect women who breastfeed but in different ways. Each has unique signs and needs a distinct approach to find relief.
Definitions and Symptoms
Engorgement usually happens about 2-3 days after birth, as breast milk production begins. Breasts will feel hard, swollen, and painful. Both breasts often get engorged together during the early weeks of breastfeeding. A temperature elevation is sometimes possible, but it should not be a real fever of over 101°F. Sometimes, breast-feeding is a challenge because of the pain of the engorgement. However, nursing is the best thing to alleviate the symptoms.
Mastitis is different. It hits about 10% of nursing moms within the first 6 to 8 weeks after delivery. Symptoms include soreness, sharp pain, redness, swelling, and fever over 101° F. It typically affects just one breast. If not treated, mastitis could get worse. Therefore, antibiotic therapy is important to treat the infection and help symptoms. The infected breast will be more painful as the milk accumulates. Usually, the mother will pump the breastmilk from the infected breast to get pain relief. She should discard that milk due to the infection. However, she is able to safely nurse from the opposite breast which is not infected.
Treatment Options and Outcomes
The way we treat engorgement and mastitis is quite different. For engorgement, it’s important to breastfeed as much as possible to keep the milk flowing well. An old-fashioned solution was to apply cabbage leaves to the engorged breasts. Using warm compresses and pumping the milk can relieve breast swelling and also ease the pain.
Treating mastitis may involve antibiotics safe for breastfeeding moms. Your pregnancy care provider may suggest antibiotic therapy for at least seven days. Dealing with blocked ducts right away can stop mastitis from getting worse. If treated quickly and properly, most people start feeling better in 24 to 48 hours.
Blocked Milk Ducts: Causes and Treatment
A blocked milk duct can be a painful issue for women who breastfeed. Milk may accumulate in an area of the breast as a result of a narrow or closed clog duct. Then, milk doesn’t flow properly and leads to symptoms like breast swelling and pain.
The main reasons for blocked milk ducts are:
- Excessive milk supply
- Improper breastfeeding techniques
- Severe engorgement
- Regularly breastfeeding on only one breast
- Skipping feedings
- Pressure against the milk ducts
To try to open the blocked ducts, try these steps:
- Keep breastfeeding or pumping often
- Massage the area softly to help milk flow
- Use warm compresses for pain and swelling
- Drink plenty of water and rest
- Wear a supportive bra to prevent pressure
For blocked milk ducts and inflammatory mastitis only, reduce swelling with cold packs, gentle massages, and maybe anti-inflammatory drugs. See your pregnancy care provider if things don’t get better. Persistent milk duct blockages can lead to infection which necessitates antibiotic treatment. Some lactation experts suggest breastfeeding women should feed or pump 8 to 12 times daily. Massaging while feeding helps too.
Moms need everything to go as smoothly as possible. To prevent breastfeeding issues, wear bras that fit well, avoid long gaps in feeding, and maintain good hygiene and hydration.
Good breastfeeding habits and healthy breasts with intact skin are essential steps to reduce milk duct problems and avoid trouble.
Breast Abscess: Identification and Management
Breast abscesses are a major concern for all women. Breast Abscess Symptoms are similar to mastitis except the abscess involves a breast mass. This mass is a fluid collection within the breast and composed of bacteria and blood cells. These abscesses are painful. Fever is often associated with the abscess.
Symptoms of Breast Abscess
Common Breast Abscess Symptoms are pain, swelling, fever, and redness in the breast. You might feel weak like you have the flu. Your healthcare provider should be an important resource to help you.
Treatment Via Needle Aspiration
A first line of therapy for breast abscess treatment is Needle Aspiration for Abscess. Usually, a specially trained radiologist will use ultrasound to find the abscess in the breast tissue. Numbing medicine will be injected into the skin over the abscess. A small needle is placed specifically into the abscess with the ultrasound guidance so that the pus may be drained. The fluid is sent to the lab for something called a culture and sensitivity. The culture identifies the type of bacteria that caused the infection. The sensitivity portion of the test determines the antibiotic options that will successfully treat the infection. You might need antibiotics for about a week.
Surgical Drainage Options
Needle aspiration typically is sufficient. There are extenuating circumstances in which Surgical Treatment for Breast Abscess may be needed. Usually, a general surgeon or breast surgeon is involved. General anesthesia is often used to allow the creation of a skin incision over the abscess. The pus is cleaned out which accelerates the healing process. In certain situations, an actual drain is temporarily placed to allow residual infection to be removed. Antibiotics are still needed, but this care will more rapidly help. It’s a bit more complex and used only for severe cases.
Treating Breast Infections with Antibiotics
Breast infections must be treated with the right kind of antibiotics. Usually, your pregnancy care provider has experience with mastitis in other patients and knows what to prescribe.
Commonly Prescribed Antibiotics
Pregnancy care providers have experience with many women diagnosed with mastitis. They prescribe medicines like cephalexin and dicloxacillin, based upon any reported allergies. Their goal to prescribe antibiotics is clear the infection which may include 10 days of treatment. To treat mastitis, doctors usually recommend antibiotics for 10 days.
Safety of Antibiotics During Breastfeeding
Many new moms worry about taking meds while breastfeeding. Luckily, most antibiotics like cephalexin and dicloxacillin are safe. They have been used for many years to create a safe record for mom and baby.
There are other non-medical ways to increase recovery. These include using a cool cloth after breastfeeding, a warm cloth before, and wearing a good bra. Hydration and rest can help you recover faster.
Breastfeeding with a Breast Infection
If you have a breast infection, you might be unsure if it’s safe to keep breastfeeding. For many moms, the answer is yes. Breastfeeding during mastitis can help clear the infection. Pain relief is possible with breastfeeding as the milk production increases the pressure in the infected breast which adds to pain.
Managing milk production can help prevent infections and ensure proper breastfeeding. Keep milk flowing with breastfeeding to stop the infection from getting worse. This can be done by breastfeeding, pumping breast milk with a breast pump, or hand expression. If there’s an abscess, stop breastfeeding on that side until it can be appropriately treated. Mastitis often needs antibiotics for about 10 days. An abscess may need longer antibiotic treatment.
There are ways to ease the pain and speed up recovery including:
- Warm compresses before nursing with a breast infection help with milk flow.
- Putting on breast milk or lanolin helps with sore nipples.
- Drinking lots of fluids helps you heal faster.
- A supportive bra can lessen pain and swelling.
Getting advice from a lactation consultant is very helpful. These breastfeeding experts provide personalized tips and support. They help solve breastfeeding issues and can reduce mastitis by giving experienced advice with ongoing support.
Breastfeeding during mastitis can ease symptoms. You may want to throw away the milk from the infected breast while continuing to feed or pump on the opposite breast.
Consulting Lactation Consultants for Breast Infections
About 60 percent of moms find breastfeeding tough. They can’t breastfeed as long as they want. Lactation consultants help a lot in these cases. They give specialized guidance and support, mainly for breast infections. Their knowledge is great for new and seasoned moms alike.
Lactation experts help with issues like sore nipples and low milk supply. They help with breastfeeding techniques and also deal with cracked nipples, plugged ducts, and mastitis. They have outstanding experience and are well trained to help women with their breastfeeding needs.
For mastitis, lactation consultants are very important. They give personalized tips on how to successfully breastfeed. Their guidance will coach moms to nurse their newborn babies in the best possible way and prevent problems such as mastitis. They want to help moms continue breastfeeding. They give moms confidence for a great breastfeeding journey.
Prenatal breastfeeding classes are offered by lactation experts. These classes boost confidence in future moms. They tackle important topics like appropriate latching. They provide expert advice to make sure milk flow is good. Lactation experts assist women so that their milk production is optimal and the baby is well nourished.
Preventing Breast Infections
It’s important to have proper technique to breastfeed. Good hygiene is crucial to prevent mastitis. These simple methods protect your health and give the best care for your baby.
Proper Breastfeeding Techniques
Using the right breastfeeding positions is vital for the baby to be well fed and the mother to be comfortable in the process. Better latching allows the baby to correctly feed without traumatizing the nipple. This position also helps the milk to be expressed from the breast.
Good latching stops sore or cracked nipples so that the skin is intact. Intact skin serves as a barrier to infectious bacteria. Make sure not to wear tight bras or put too much pressure on your breasts. These can block milk ducts and cause mastitis.
Importance of Hygiene
Keeping clean while breastfeeding lowers infection chances. Wash your hands often and keep your nipples clean and dry. Change your nursing pads frequently to avoid dampness which can attract bacteria or a fungal skin rash. Staying clean and dry in the breast area cuts down the risk factors of getting mastitis. It also helps in spotting breast infections early.
Recognizing Early Signs
Breast pain, swelling, redness, and fever are signs of a breast infection. Spotting these early signs will enable you to reach out to your pregnancy care team to get evaluated for possible treatment.
Breast Pain during Breastfeeding: Causes and Solutions
New moms often face breastfeeding pain. It’s common and understanding why it happens can help. Initial pain is usually part of both the mother and baby getting used to breastfeeding. But, it’s important to look into increasing or ongoing pain.
Common Causes of Breast Pain
Breast pain while breastfeeding can come from different problems:
- Breast Engorgement: This happens early on when your milk supply is adjusting. Your breasts may feel hard, tight, and painful.
- Blocked Milk Ducts: Improper draining during feedings can block a duct. This can cause pain and could lead to mastitis if it’s not solved.
- Thrush: This is a common fungal infection in the baby’s mouth during breastfeeding.
- Improper Latch: A wrong latch can hurt and lead to sore, cracked nipples.
Effective Pain Relief Methods
- Frequent Feeding: Nursing every 2-3 hours might help with breast engorgement and make sure milk drains well.
- Warm Compresses: A warm compress before feeds can lessen the pain.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce breast pain.
- Cabbage Leaves: Some say placing cabbage leaves in your bra can ease the pain. This remedy has been used for many years. See what you think?
- Proper Latch: A correct latch prevents pain and nipple injury. It’s good to see a lactation consultant if you’re unsure.
Massaging before nursing can help with breast pain, as can using heat or cold compresses between feedings.
Being proactive is the best way to handle breastfeeding issues. Follow expert advice. Don’t give up!
Conclusion
Nursing moms need to know about breast infections for their health. Mastitis is a common problem during breastfeeding. It causes symptoms like red and painful breasts and swelling. Using the right technique to breastfeed and keeping the breasts clean lowers infection risks.
Mastitis may result from inadequate milk flow. Breastfeeding requires persistent efforts which will pay off. Frequent nursing keeps consistent breast milk production and flow through the breast ducts to prevent blockages and mastitis. Feed often and don’t wait too long between breastfeeding. If mastitis is diagnosed, a course of oral antibiotics may be all that is needed. Good hydration and good hygiene are vital. Your breastfeeding efforts will result in your baby’s good health.
FAQ
What are the common causes of breast infections?
Breast infections mainly come from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. These bacteria get into the breast through nipple cracks. Engorgement and blocked milk ducts can lead to breast infections inflammation too.
What are the symptoms of breast infections?
Symptoms include pain and swelling in the breast, and unusual nipple discharge. You may have a fever and feel like you have the flu. Itchy skin, tender lymph nodes, and redness often appear.
How is mastitis different from engorgement?
Engorgement is when breasts swell and hurt because of too much milk. It usually happens right after childbirth. Mastitis is an infection causing swelling, fever, and flu-like feelings. Antibiotics are often needed for mastitis, unlike engorgement.
What should I do if I have a blocked milk duct?
If your milk duct is blocked, keep breastfeeding or pumping. Use warm compresses and massage the area softly. Proper latching and full breast emptying can prevent blocked or clogged milk ducts.
How can a breast abscess be treated?
To treat an abscess, doctors might use needle aspiration guided by ultrasound along with antibiotics. Surgery might be needed in some cases. Always check with your healthcare provider for the right treatment.
Are antibiotics safe to use during breastfeeding for treating mastitis?
Yes, antibiotics like cephalexin and dicloxacillin are safe and work well during breastfeeding. They can cure the infection without harming your baby.
Can I continue breastfeeding with a breast infection?
Often, you can keep breastfeeding if you have an infection. It can even help clear the infection up. But, if you have an abscess, you might need to stop until it gets better. Talk to a lactation consultant to get the best advice.
How can lactation consultants help with breast infections?
Lactation consultants give expert advice on dealing with breast infections. They can help improve how your baby latches on and suggest feeding tips to prevent further infections.
What are the best ways to prevent breast infections?
To prevent infections, use good breastfeeding techniques and keep the skin clean around the nipples. Try to nurse the baby to the point of feeling the emptiness. That prevents clogged ducts and breast infections.
What are the common causes of breast pain during breastfeeding?
Breast pain can come from infections, blocked ducts, swelling, or improper latching. Feeding often can ease the pain. A lactation consultant can offer personalized advice.
References
- Breast infection – https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/breast-infection
- Breast infection: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia – https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001490.htm
- Mastitis While Breastfeeding: Prevention, the Importance of Proper Treatment, and Potential Complications – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7465810/
- Breast Infection (Mastitis): Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat – https://www.healthline.com/health/breast-infection
- Mastitis – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mastitis/
- Mastitis: What It Is & Treatment – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15613-mastitis
- Mastitis – Symptoms and causes – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374829
- Breast infections (mastitis): Symptoms, causes, types, and treatment – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324016
- Engorgement vs Mastitis vs Clogged Duct: How To Tell the Difference – https://www.elvie.com/en-us/blog/engorgement-vs-mastitis-vs-clogged-duct-how-to-tell-the-difference
- Breast Engorgement vs. Mastitis – https://boroondaraosteopathy.com.au/engorgement-and-mastitis/
- Plugged Ducts, Mastitis, and Thrush – https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/plugged-ducts-mastitis-and-thrush
- Clogged Milk Duct: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention, and More – https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/clogged-milk-duct
- Blocked milk ducts and mastitis – https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/health-a-to-z/breastfeeding/blocked-milk-ducts-and-mastitis
- Breast Abscess – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459122/
- Breast Infection: A Review of Diagnosis and Management Practices – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6092150/
- Mastitis – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374834
- Management of Mastitis in Breastfeeding Women – https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2008/0915/p727.html
- What makes a good lactation consultant? – Wooster Community Hospital – https://www.woosterhospital.org/what-makes-a-good-lactation-consultant/
- Patient education: Common breastfeeding problems (Beyond the Basics) – https://www.uptodate.com/contents/common-breastfeeding-problems-beyond-the-basics/print
- Mastitis – Symptoms – Treatment | familydoctor.org – https://familydoctor.org/condition/mastitis/
- Breast pain and breastfeeding – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/breast-pain/
- Breastfeeding FAQs: Pain and Discomfort (for Parents) – https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breastfeed-discomfort.html
- Mastitis: What Breastfeeding Parents Need to Know – https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/breastfeeding/Pages/Mastitis.aspx
- Mastitis – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mastitis
- Breast Infection: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention – https://flo.health/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/illnesses-and-infections/breast-infection-symptoms-and-treatments