Breast Pain and Mastitis
Picture this: you’ve been breastfeeding your newborn and now have noticed breast pain and redness.
So, what’s going on? You may have a condition called lactation mastitis. This is a common condition in which the breast tissue becomes inflamed. Symptoms can include breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. Fever and chills may also occur. While breast infections can occur without lactation, this is the most common preceding factor.
What are the Causes of Mastitis?
- Milk trapped in the breast
- A clogged milk duct
- Bacteria introduced to the breast. Of note, stagnant milk that remains in the breast can be a breeding ground for bacteria
Prevention
- Ensure all milk is drained during breastfeeding.
- Finish feeding one breast before switching to the other.
- Ensure your baby is latching on well.
- Smoking cessation.
Treatments
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for your condition. You can continue to breastfeed and is
encouraged.
It’s Fetch is a community that provides a safe space for members to discuss health and wellness topics. We provide access to archived health related content, note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content shared, regardless of date should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
-Written by Paavana Varanasi
Comments +