How to Prevent Mastitis

Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience between mom and baby. However, it’s not always easy. While it’s common to feel discomfort when starting out, discomfort and pain could be a sign you need to seek assistance, as the nipple damage commonly associated with discomfort can lead to mastitis. Don’t panic – as many as one in 10 breastfeeding moms may experience this infection.

As a team of international board-certified lactation consultants (IBCLC) and certified lactation consultants at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), we regularly work with moms who experience the difficulties that come with breastfeeding, including mastitis. We’re here to tell you everything you need to know to get through it and get back to feeding your little one with more ease and no pain. Here are some important things breastfeeding moms should know about mastitis.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is the inflammation or infection of the breast tissue that sometimes involves infection, resulting in breast pain, swelling, warmth and redness.

What Causes Mastitis?

Mastitis can be caused by a blocked milk duct or from bacteria entering the breast.

If the breast is not fully emptied during feedings, the milk ducts can become clogged, causing milk to back up and lead to mastitis.

Alternatively, bacteria from baby’s mouth can enter the milk ducts through cracked skin on the nipples. Leftover milk provides a breeding ground for bacteria to grow and cause an infection.

Smoking and poor nutrition can increase the risk for mastitis, among other things.

What Are the Symptoms of Mastitis?

• Red, swollen and painful area on the breast
• Warm sensation, tenderness or a lump in the breast
• Some moms may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills and body aches

How Can I Prevent Mastitis?

Keep Your Milk Moving: The frequent and thorough removal of milk from the breast is the only proven way to build and maintain milk supply and the best way to prevent mastitis.

Frequent Emptying: Latch your baby to the breast on-cue, frequently, a minimum of eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period and allow the baby to feed until they’re content. Allow the baby to soften and drain one breast before you offer the second. Alternate which breast you start with at each feeding. If you feel like your baby is not removing the milk effectively, you can use your hand to gently compress or massage the breast while your baby feeds, to help them remove the milk from the back of the breast more effectively.

If your baby is unable to latch, or if your breast is full and uncomfortable, even after a feeding, you can use a breast pump or hand expression to remove the milk until your breast is softer and you feel more comfortable.

Proper Latching: Ensure your baby’s latch is deep and comfortable for both of you. As we mentioned, nipple damage can be a portal of entry for infection. If your baby is latching well, you should feel pulling, not pinching. You should also not see any damage of your nipple – when your baby unlatches, your nipple should look rounded, not creased, pinched or misshapen.

Breast Care: Proper breast hygiene is essential in preventing mastitis. Keep your nipples clean and dry between feedings. If you experience cracked or sore nipples, use a lanolin cream or consult a lactation consultant for support. You should also avoid tight bras or clothing that can put pressure on the breasts.

Can I Keep Feeding from the Affected Side?

It is safe to continue nursing from the affected breast even if you have mastitis. In fact, continuing to breastfeed can help clear the blocked duct and empty the breast effectively. Make sure your baby has a proper latch to prevent further irritation.

What Should I Do if I Have Mastitis?

Call Your OB: If you suspect you have mastitis, it’s essential to seek medical advice from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. Your doctor can give you an official diagnosis and treat you with antibiotics if needed.

Call Us: After you finish any medication you’ve been prescribed; you can call our lactation team at 850-431-0468 for an outpatient consultation. We can help you troubleshoot any difficulties that led to the mastitis and help you and your baby get back to working toward your breastfeeding goals.

If You’re Pumping, Follow a Regular Schedule: If you are unable to continue to latch due to pain or discomfort, it’s very important to continue to pump, at minimum, every three hours around the clock to avoid compromising your milk supply. Frequent and effective milk removal is key to resolving mastitis. Make sure your baby is latching well and nursing on demand. If you’re pumping, make sure your equipment is in good condition and follow a regular pumping schedule.

Use Ice: If you’re looking for a way to ease swelling and discomfort, use ice and a cold compress, not heat. Heat can increase inflammation and discomfort. A good way to ice the breast is to fill a small plastic bag with enough ice to cover the whole breast. Do not place the bag of ice directly on the skin, but instead in a pillowcase and then on the breast for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, latch your baby effectively or pump to drain the breast.

Rest: Rest is crucial to help your body heal. Try to get as much rest as possible and stay hydrated.

If you’re having issues while breastfeeding, our team is here to help. You can call us at 850-431-0468 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment.

You can also join our weekly Breastfeeding Support Group. This free group, led by one of our IBCLCs, is open to anyone in the community and offers a social outlet for breastfeeding moms and babies.

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