Mastitis is a common condition in breastfeeding women. This condition can be caused by tight clothing, missed feedings, poor alveolus drainage, or an infection. It usually only affects 1 Breast at a time and results in a breast that is sore, hard, and red. This can make breastfeeding and pumping very uncomfortable, and some women may even give up on breastfeeding as a result. If you get mastitis, there are several things you can do to treat it. Contact your doctor first of all since mastitis may cause an infection that requires medical treatment. Then, follow your doctor’s instructions for self-care and pain management.

EditSteps

EditSeeking Medical Help

1. Call your doctor right away if you suspect mastitis. Mastitis is a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, the condition may worsen and lead to a serious, whole-body infection, which could require hospitalization to treat. Call your doctor if you notice symptoms of mastitis including:^[1]
   • Flu-like symptoms
   • Fever
   • A red, painful, hard lump on your breast
   • Body aches
   • Chills
   • Rapid heart rate
   • Malaise
   • Red streaks and shiny skin on your breast^[2]
   • Burning sensation during breastfeeding or at other times
   • White discharge coming from your nipples, sometimes tinged with blood.^[3]
2. Ask your doctor about diagnostic testing. If you suspect mastitis, your doctor will be able to perform diagnostic tests and reviews to make sure you are treating the right problem. Generally, diagnosis for mastitis includes a review of your medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests such as culture or sensitivity.^[4]
   • Often, a diagnosis can be made without having to do a full culture.
3. Take the full course of prescribed antibiotics. Your doctor will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. Take the full course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better. Not finishing the antibiotics may make it harder to treat any future infections you get.
   • The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for mastitis include dicloxacillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, and cephalexin. Take the antibiotics over the course of 10 to 14 days as instructed by your doctor. If the first course of antibiotics does not clear the infection, then your doctor may order a stronger antibiotic.^[5]
   • A small amount of the antibiotic may get into your breast milk. Check with your doctor or midwife to ensure that the antibiotic is safe for breastfeeding. In most cases, the antibiotic will only cause some mild loose stools in your baby, but this should go away after you complete the course of antibiotics.^[6]
4. Get an ultrasound to rule out an abscess. In some cases, mastitis may progress and create an abscess in your breast. When this happens, your doctor may need to drain and irrigate the abscess. If your doctor suspects an abscess, they may order an ultrasound of your breast to check for one.^[7]

EditUsing Self-Care Measures

1. Breastfeed your baby as often as possible. Keeping milk flowing through your breasts will help to clear the infection and reduce your discomfort. Breastfeed your baby as often as possible starting each feeding with the affected breast. Do not worry about the milk harming your baby. Your breast milk is safe for your baby to drink even if you have an infection.^[8]
   • If you are not able to breastfeed, then pump or hand express some milk instead.
   • Proper positioning during breastfeeding is also important to ensure that your breasts are being emptied fully. Ask your doctor, midwife, or lactation consultant for advice on how to properly position your baby during breastfeeding.
2. Get plenty of sleep and rest. Recovering from mastitis requires lots of rest.^[9] If possible, take some time off from work to catch up on your sleep. Ask your partner to take over some of your household tasks until you feel better. You may also want to have a trusted friend or family member help you with childcare so that you can get a nap during the day.
3. Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated will help your body to fight the infection and it will also help to ensure that you can keep up with your little one's breastfeeding demands. Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.^[10]
4. Use over-the-counter pain medications. Mastitis can be very painful, but the pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). Follow the dosing instructions on the package or ask your doctor for dosing instructions.
   • Do not take aspirin while you are breastfeeding. This medication passes through to the breast milk and it is not safe for your baby.^[11]

EditSoothing Sore Breasts

1. Take warm showers. The warm water will feel good on your breasts and it may also help to clear any clogged ducts. Take a warm shower daily and let the water run over your breasts.^[12]
   • You could also take a warm bath and immerse your breasts in the water to help soothe them.
2. Apply warm compresses. Warm compresses may help to ease pain in your breasts throughout the day and loosen clogged ducts. Take a clean cloth and hold it under warm running water. Then, wring the excess water from the cloth and place the warm cloth over the sore area of your breast. Leave the compress on until it cools down. Repeat as needed during the day.^[13]
3. Place a green cabbage leaf in your bra. Cold, raw green cabbage leaves can help to soothe engorged breasts by reducing the engorgement. Get a head of cabbage and remove one of the leaves. Then, insert the cabbage leaf into your bra so that it is cradling your breast. Leave the leaf there until it is no longer cold. Repeat as often as needed.^[14]
4. Wear loose fitting clothing. Tight bras and tops will only irritate your already tender breasts. Instead, wear loose, comfortable bras or camisoles and tops while you are dealing with mastitis.^[15]

EditSources and Citations

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