What is mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of the breast that usually occurs due to an infection. Approximately 10% of breastfeeding women in the United States are affected, often during the early weeks after giving birth. Mastitis can also occur at other times of life, causing painful, swollen breasts.

Mother and baby at home

Mastitis symptoms

Mastitis ranges from a mild breast infection to a condition that makes you tired and run-down, with flu-like symptoms.

At first, mastitis can feel like a plugged milk duct, causing sore, tender breasts. However, you might also have a fever, chills and aches all over your body.

Other symptoms of mastitis include:

  • Breasts that feel tender and warm or hot
  • Burning sensation while breastfeeding
  • Discharge from your nipple
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Swelling or pain in your breast (mastalgia)
  • A red, triangular or wedge-shaped, tender area on the breast

Typically, only one breast is affected. Even if you have symptoms, you should continue to feed your baby as usual.

When to see a doctor

In some cases, you can treat mastitis at home. Try to massage your breast and apply a warm or cold compress to the sore area. However, if your symptoms do not improve within 24 hours or get worse, talk to your doctor. Without treatment, a painful breast abscess can form.

Contact your doctor immediately if you have an infection in both breasts, red streaks, pus or blood in your milk, sudden, severe symptoms, or a painful lump.

What causes mastitis?

In breastfeeding women, mastitis is often triggered by milk buildup in the breast, a condition known as milk stasis. This buildup can block milk ducts and lead to infection.

  • Blocked milk ducts: Blocked or clogged milk ducts can lead to limited or restricted milk flow, preventing it from draining fully from your breast. You may develop clogged ducts if your baby does not feed well, you skip feedings or you wear tight-fitting bras or breast pads.
  • Bacterial infection: Bacteria from the skin or baby's mouth can enter the milk ducts through a crack in the nipple or a duct opening. This can lead to infection, especially if milk remains in the breast and isn't fully emptied.

Mastitis risk factors

The following may increase your risk of developing mastitis:

  • History of mastitis
  • Sore or cracked nipples
  • Pressure on the breast from a tight bra or seat belt, restricting milk flow
  • Incorrect nursing technique
  • Fatigue or stress
  • Poor diet
  • Smoking

How is mastitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will discuss your symptoms and check your breasts for tenderness and swelling.

If you are not breastfeeding, your doctor might order other tests such as an ultrasound, MRI, diagnostic mammogram or biopsy.

Mastitis treatments

Mastitis sometimes clears up on its own and may resolve with rest and at-home treatment. However, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics if your symptoms do not improve within 24 hours.

Lifestyle and at-home remedies

It is important to continue to breastfeed frequently. Otherwise, your breasts can become more engorged, making the infection worse. Mastitis does not make your breast milk unsafe for your baby, but your milk might taste different. If you cannot breastfeed from the affected breast, offer the other breast and pump or express milk from the affected one. 

You can also try:

  • Gently massage the breast during breastfeeding or pumping, starting at the affected area and moving toward the nipple. Avoid pressing too hard
  • Fully drain your breast during breastfeeding; applying a warm, moist cloth beforehand can help
  • Vary your breastfeeding positions
  • Stay hydrated
  • Apply a cool cloth or ice pack to your breast after breastfeeding
  • Wear a supportive bra
  • Rest as much as possible

How to prevent mastitis

There are some simple steps that can reduce your risk. It’s normal to struggle with your breastfeeding technique at first, but you can get support from your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant. They can advise you on positions to reduce pain and the chance of an infection recurring.

  • Breastfeed frequently (about eight to 12 times every 24 hours for a newborn).
  • Let your nipples air dry between feedings.
  • Make sure your baby latches properly.
  • Wear a well-fitting bra and loose clothing.

Find specialized care for mastitis

We help you get care for mastitis at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations in North and Central Texas, including specialized maternity and postpartum care centers.

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