Mastitis

About 1 in 10 breastfeeding mothers in the United States develops mastitis, and it can turn a manageable week into a miserable one. Sarah Waterman, MD, at Green Mountain Breast Care Center in Stowe, Vermont, treats mastitis quickly so you can feel better and keep nursing if you want to. Call the Stowe office or request an appointment online if your breast has become painful, red, or warm.

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue, sometimes with an infection at the same time. It develops most often in the first 6-12 weeks of breastfeeding, though it can occur at any point while nursing and occasionally in women who are not breastfeeding at all.

The condition usually starts when milk builds up in one area faster than it drains, which inflames the surrounding tissue. Bacteria from your skin or your baby’s mouth can then enter through a cracked nipple and turn that inflammation into an infection.

What symptoms does mastitis cause?

Symptoms typically appear in one breast and come on within a matter of hours. Watch for:

• A wedge-shaped area of redness
• Breast pain or a burning sensation
• Swelling and warmth in one spot
• A firm, tender lump
• Fever of 101°F or higher
• Chills, body aches, and fatigue
• A general sense of being unwell

The flu-like symptoms catch many women off guard, since they seem unrelated to the breast at first.

What raises my risk of mastitis?

Several situations make mastitis more likely:

• Cracked or damaged nipples
• Missing feedings or going too long between them
• A poor latch that leaves milk behind
• Consistent pressure from a tight bra or bag strap
• Oversupply or engorgement
• A previous episode of mastitis
• Fatigue and stress

Addressing these factors lowers your chance of a repeat episode, and Dr. Waterman helps you work through them.

How is mastitis treated?

Treatment starts with keeping milk moving, so continue nursing or pumping on the affected side. Emptying the breast helps the inflammation settle and poses no risk to your baby.

Dr. Waterman examines you and prescribes antibiotics when an infection is present. Most women feel noticeably better within a few days, and finishing the full course prevents the infection from returning. Anti-inflammatory medication, cold compresses between feedings, and rest all help with the pain and swelling.

If your symptoms persist after antibiotics or a firm lump remains, Dr. Waterman orders an ultrasound to check for a breast abscess, which requires drainage.

Don’t wait to see if mastitis symptoms resolve on their own. Call Green Mountain Breast Care Center today or request an appointment online.