Breast Infections (Mastitis)
Mastitis is an infection in the tissues of the breast.
It can feel like having a plugged duct, but with mastitis you may also have:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellowish discharge from the nipple
- Breasts that feel tender, warm, or hot to the touch
- Breasts that appear pink or red
If you do not feel better within 24 hours, contact your healthcare provider. You may need antibiotics.
What you can do:
- Keep breastfeeding
- The infection will not harm your baby
- Breastfeed on the infected breast at least every two hours (or more often)
- This will keep your breast from becoming engorged
- Apply heat to your breast before each feeding to help with let-down and relieve pain
- Use a heating pad or an electric blanket on low setting
- Place a warm washcloth on your breast
- Take a warm shower or bath
- Drink lots of water and get plenty of rest
- Wear a bra that fits well and is not too tight
It is safe to breastfeed if you have mastitis. The infection is in your breast tissue – not your milk!
