Signs of mastitis are:
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Painful site in your breast
- Flu like symptoms
- Fever, above 100.4° Fahrenheit
- Chills
There are new recommendations from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Below are ways to care for mastitis and plugged ducts
- Breastfeed on demand or pump at a frequency that mimics baby feeding.
- Do not pump or stimulate your breast more often.
- Breastfeed from the opposite breast first to let the affected side to heal.
- If your breasts feel full after feeding, hand express until you are comfortable.
- Your bra should not be restrictive.
- Do not wear underwire bras.
- Put ice packs on breasts. Use them for 10 minutes each hour. This can help lessen inflammation and swelling.
- Do not put ice on your skin.
- Use Earth Mama Booby Tubes® or other products kept in your freezer. These may be helpful.
- You may have a drop in your milk supply. This often gets better with time. If not, call a lactation consultant for help.
- Do not do deep massage of your breast.
- Use gentle, light touch massage. Start at your nipple and go back toward your body. This should be like petting a cat.
- A website that may be helpful is: physicianguidetobreastfeeding.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Lymphaticmassagehandout2.pptx.pdf
- Take NSAID's, such as ibuprofen. Follow the directions on the bottle.
- Take sunflower or soy lecithin 1200 mg 3 or 4 times each day. This helps with clogged ducts.
- This is an over-the-counter supplement. Buy it at most drug and grocery stores.
- If you do not want to take the capsules, take 5 grams of powder lecithin. Use it 1 time each day. This can be put in a smoothie.
Hyperlactation or breast milk over supply puts you at higher risk for plugged ducts.
- Schedule a visit with a lactation consultant if you keep having problems.
- Call 1-319-356-2294 and choose option 1. Ask for a lactation appointment.
If you are given antibiotics for mastitis, take all of them. Do not stop taking them when you start feeling better. Call your provider if you do not start feeling better within 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
If you have questions:
- Call Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Obstetrics and Gynecology at 1-319-356-2294
- University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Family Medicine Clinic at 1-319-384-7222
- Iowa River Landing East Family Medicine Clinic at 1-319-467-2000
- Muscatine Family Medicine Clinic at 1-563-263-0339
- Scott Boulevard Family Medicine Clinic at 1-319-467-6789
- River Crossing Family Medicine Clinic at 1-319-467-8355
- Call the Hospital Operator at 1-319-356-1616 on nights, weekends, and holidays
- Ask for the gynecology resident on call.
- Call toll-free at 1-800-777-8442 24 hours a day
- Ask for the gynecology resident on call.
- You may be asked some questions when using the toll-free number.
Send a MyChart message for non-urgent questions.