Guide
Mastitis: Breast Infection While Breastfeeding
Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue that sometimes becomes an infection, and it is common in people who are breastfeeding. The good news is that it often improves with rest, frequent feeding, and simple self-care, and antibiotics help when an infection sets in. This guide covers the symptoms, what to do, and when to call. It is educational, not medical advice.
Symptoms to know
Mastitis usually affects one breast and comes on fairly quickly. You may notice a red, warm, swollen, tender area or hard lump, pain while feeding, and flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches. Feeling suddenly unwell along with a sore breast is a classic sign. It often follows a blocked duct, engorgement, or a long gap between feeds.
Self-care that helps
Keep milk moving: feed or pump often and start on the sore side, since stopping can make it worse. Rest as much as you can, drink fluids, and use a cold compress for comfort between feeds. Gentle massage toward the nipple and a well-fitting bra can help. Ask your clinician before taking any pain reliever, though many find an over-the-counter option appropriate. Most mild cases ease within a day or two of good self-care.
When you need a clinician or antibiotics
Call your clinician if symptoms do not improve in about 24 hours, get worse, or come with a high fever, or if you see pus, blood, or a firm painful lump that is growing. An infection often needs antibiotics, and your clinician will choose ones that are safe while breastfeeding. Keep nursing or pumping during treatment unless told otherwise. Seek urgent care for a very high fever, severe pain, or feeling very unwell, and call 911 for trouble breathing.
How Materna helps
Materna connects you with bilingual lactation support to prevent and manage mastitis, a one-tap nurse line when you feel unwell, and help getting seen quickly if you need antibiotics. Spanish-first and Medicaid-friendly.
This guide is educational and not medical advice. If you have a fever, severe pain, or symptoms that are not improving, call your clinician. It is always okay to get checked.
Frequently asked questions
- Should I keep breastfeeding with mastitis?
- Yes, in almost all cases. Continuing to nurse or pump on the affected side keeps milk moving and helps clear the problem, and the milk is safe for your baby. Stopping suddenly can make mastitis worse. If feeding is too painful, pump to keep milk flowing and ask your clinician for guidance.
- When does mastitis need antibiotics?
- If symptoms do not improve in about 24 hours of self-care, get worse, or come with a high fever or pus, you likely need antibiotics. Your clinician can prescribe ones that are safe while breastfeeding. Take the full course even once you feel better.
- How can I prevent mastitis?
- Feed or pump regularly, avoid long gaps and skipped feeds, make sure your baby latches well and the breast drains, and treat blocked ducts and engorgement early. Rest, fluids, and a bra that is not too tight help. A lactation consultant can address recurring problems.