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AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

Coping With Mastitis

One of the most distressing problems faced by some breastfeeding moms is mastitis. This painful inflammation of the breast area is usually caused by an infection, and will most likely occur during the first six months of breastfeeding. It is thought to be caused by a milk-duct becoming clogged (or plugged up) when the breast has not been fully emptied.

The symptoms are painful and distressing, but with treatment they usually clear up quickly, and you can continue to breastfeed if the breast is not too sore. You may have repeated episodes of mastitis, so find out now how you can prevent it and how to recognize the symptoms.

What causes mastitis?

A plugged duct is simply a milk duct in the breast that becomes ‘plugged-up’ with milk. The duct is not being drained of milk fully due to a number of reasons: badly fitting bras, not nursing frequently enough, your baby not latching on properly, and poor positioning.

A clogged milk duct may present itself as a sore spot on the breast, which may also be red and feel hard to the touch. You may notice a small white dot on your nipple that looks like a spot or pimple. As mastitis is an infection, you could also have flu-like symptoms and feel hot or shivery. See your doctor as soon as possible for help to clear up the infection – even with complete rest (which is impossible for a new mom anyway), the infection most likely won’t clear up on its own.

Prevention is better than cure

The most important thing to prevent plugged ducts is to ensure your baby is latching on to the breast correctly. You should feel no pressure at the breast, and breastfeeding definitely shouldn’t hurt. When feeding, empty your breast as much as possible to avoid it getting overly full. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, or in any position that compresses the breast.

Cracked nipples

Cracked nipples can also cause an infection of the breast. If you feel a sharp pain while feeding, there may be a small fissure or crack in the delicate area of the nipple. Visit your doctor who can prescribe a cream to be applied to the area. While you are waiting for the nipple to heal (which can take a few days), feed your baby from the other breast and try expressing the painful breast to avoid a further build up of milk.

Can I continue to feed my baby when I have mastitis?

The good news is you can. In fact, it is believed that feeding from the affected breast may actually help the problem to clear up more quickly. Remember to fully empty the breast, switching from one to the other if your infected breast becomes too painful. If your nipple is too swollen to be able to feed properly, express the milk and give it to your baby with a suitable teat – one that mimics the shape and feel of a natural breast is best.

You might also be interested in:

Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

More about Feeding Your Baby

More about Newborn Babies

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