Mastitis 101: What to do if you notice these mastitis symptoms

If you’re breastfeeding, you may have heard about a common condition among nursing mothers called mastitis, or maybe you’re wondering whether the pain you’re experiencing is due to mastitis symptoms.

Thankfully for breastfeeding women and their babies, there are ways to easily identify, treat and prevent mastitis, so you can focus on nursing and nourishing your baby. Here’s what you need to know.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is a common infection that can affect women who are breastfeeding when bacteria enter the breast tissue. It’s an infection that occurs when bacteria sneak into the breast tissue, leading to inflammation and discomfort.

In the US, about 1 in 10 nursing moms experience mastitis, most often within the first three months after giving birth.

Mastitis symptoms can hit suddenly, including swelling, redness, warmth and tenderness in the breast. This is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever or extreme fatigue.

Mastitis usually develops when bacteria enter the breast through a cracked or sore nipple, or when milk ducts become blocked, leading to milk buildup. While it can be uncomfortable and stressful, understanding how mastitis develops is the first step toward managing it—and continuing your breastfeeding journey with confidence.

4 mastitis symptoms to know

Wondering how to tell if you’re experiencing mastitis symptoms, or just normal breastfeeding aches and pains? For many women, breastfeeding comes with discomfort during the early days, but mastitis symptoms are typically more intense.

Here are the most common symptoms of mastitis to look out for along with pain:

1. Swelling
2. Redness
3. Warmth and tenderness
4. Fever and chills

Some swelling of the nipple area is normal with breastfeeding, but wedge-shaped red spots, hardened lumps and swelling are all signs of mastitis. You may also notice cracks around your nipples—these cracks are possible entry points for bacteria from your skin or baby’s mouth to then cause infection inside the breast tissue.

Mastitis self-care at home

When it comes to mastitis, a little self-care goes a long way. For mild cases, these mastitis self-care measures often make a big difference in relieving mastitis symptoms and pain:

• Keep breastfeeding or pumping: Regularly emptying the breast helps clear blocked ducts and reduces discomfort. Rest assured that breastfeeding with mastitis poses no risk to your baby.
• Apply a cold compress: Using a cold compress or cold cloth after feeding can ease pain and swelling.
• Rest and stay hydrated: Giving your body a chance to recover supports healing.

Take it easy and don’t be afraid to ask for—and accept—help during this time. Let your partner and loved ones help take care of baby and household tasks, so you can focus on rest and recovery.

If your mastitis symptoms persist or worsen, such as increasing pain, redness or fever, be sure and notify your provider. They may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen, can also help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Early mastitis treatment usually leads to a quick recovery, allowing you to continue breastfeeding comfortably.

Mastitis treatment options

If you think you may be experiencing mastitis, it’s important to get checked out by your provider. Left untreated, mastitis can transform into a pus-filled abscess that needs to be surgically drained.

But rest assured that mastitis can be easily treated with self-care, antibiotics and pain relievers, if needed.

Your provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Make sure you take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. Treating mastitis quickly and thoroughly can help relieve pain and prevent complications.

Make sure you also get plenty of rest and stay hydrated to help your body fight the infection and keep your energy levels up.

How to prevent mastitis while breastfeeding

The best way to prevent mastitis is to make sure your baby latches correctly while breastfeeding, so your breasts can be thoroughly emptied. If you’re a new mother or experiencing new breastfeeding concerns, a lactation consultant can help you with proper technique and tips for preventing mastitis, such as:

• Fully drain milk from your breast with each: Empty the first breast’s milk supply before switching to the other.
• Breastfeed often: Breastfeeding often can help prevent milk from building up in the breast.
• Keep your breasts clean: Make sure you wash your breasts before and after breastfeeding.
• Wear a well-fitting bra: A bra that is too tight or too loose can cause problems with milk flow.
• Take care of yourself: Get plenty of rest and eat a nutritious diet to help keep your body strong and healthy enough to fight off an infection.

Certain factors can increase your risk of getting mastitis, including clogged milk ducts and a baby’s facial abnormalities, like cleft palates, which are more likely to trigger mastitis in their mothers.

If you have any questions about how to prevent or treat mastitis, talk to your doctor, explore parent education classes or ask for a recommendation for a lactation consultant near you. Together, you can work through mastitis and focus on nourishing and enjoying your little one.

Your postpartum care doesn’t end when you leave the hospital—birth is just the beginning. Get virtual support and guidance for new moms today.