Management of Mastitis

• Mastitis is a breast infection that can cause inflammation and swelling of the breast. It most often happens while breastfeeding.
• It can be caused by poor milk flow from the breast. When milk builds up in a breast, it can cause the inflammation and swelling.

What may be signs of mastitis?

• Redness on your breast
• A sore or tender spot in your breast
• Feeling sick, like you have the flu
• Fever (temperature above 100.4° Fahrenheit)

How do I care for my breast(s) if I have mastitis?

Keep your milk moving.

• Keep breastfeeding or pumping as you were before.
  • Do not pump or breastfeed more often than usual.
• Start breastfeeding from the other breast first so the sore breast can rest.
• If your breast still feels full after feeding, you can gently squeeze out a little milk using your hand.

Support your breast(s).

• Wear a comfy bra that supports your breasts but is not too tight.
• Do not wear underwire bras.

Gently massage your breast(s).

• Do not press hard or deeply massage your breast.
• Use light, soft strokes like petting a cat.
• Start at your nipple and gently move your hand back toward your chest. 

Take supplements.

• Sunflower or soy lecithin can help if you have clogged or plugged milk ducts.
  • You can buy this over the counter at most drugstores and grocery stores.
  • For capsules (pills): Take 1,200 milligrams (mg), 3 or 4 times each day.
  • For powder: Take 5 to 10 grams of powder, 1 time each day. The powder can be put in a smoothie.

How can I lessen pain and swelling?

• Put an ice or gel pack on your breast for 10 minutes every hour.
  • Do not put it right on your skin. Wrap the ice or gel pack in a cloth or towel before putting it on your skin.
  • You may have a drop in your milk supply. This often gets better with time. You can call a lactation consultant for help.
• You can take medicine (such as ibuprofen) to help lessen pain and swelling. Follow the directions on the bottle label.

What if my care team prescribes antibiotics?

• Take all the antibiotic medicine given to you. Keep taking the medicine even if you start feeling better.
• Call your care team if you do not feel better after 24 hours.