Question 1

what is mastitis?

Accepted Answer

Breast infection: Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue. It is intensely painful, particularly while nursing. Many women may experience flu-like symptoms and high fever in addition to the pain. Though it is fine to continue breast feeding your baby, you should contact your obstetrician as you may need to take antibiotics in order to resolve the infection.

Question 2

what are signs of mastitis?

Accepted Answer

Mastitis: is usually characterized by red, hot, swollen and tender breasts with painful breast feeding with our without fever.

Question 3

what are the risk factors for reoccurring mastitis?

Accepted Answer

Several: Prior history of mastitis is the most common. Diabetes, other medical problems, immune system problems as well.

Check with your obgyn for a thorough investigation.

Question 4

how can i prevent mastitis?

Accepted Answer

Remove obstruction: Mastitis occurs from a plugged duct, which is often due to anything that hampers milk flow, ie an obstruction.  This may be from an ill fitting bra or lack of complete emptying of the breast during a feeding.  Diets high in saturated fat and sodium also increase your risk of plugged ducts.  So, allow your baby to nurse long enough to soften your breast, wear loose clothing and eat a healthy diet.

Question 5

how can u get rid of mastitis?

Accepted Answer

Patience: Mastitis is an infection of the breast.  They can be treated simply with antibiotics or may require surgical drainage if there is an abscess.  If this is a problem that has been ongoing for a few months, you should see a breast specialist and possibly get a biopsy to make sure cancer is not present.  Mastitis can be troublesome and long lasting but can resolve with appropriate care.

Question 6

is mastitis normal during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Mastitis: Mastitis during breastfeeding is not normal but is certainly very common.  It is caused by overgrowth of bacteria in milk-containing ducts. It is managed with oral antibiotics and continuation of breast feeding to empty the milk ducts.  Mastitis while breastfeeding is not a sign of breast cancer.

Question 7

can you  breastfeed along  with mastitis?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: Yes, continuing to breastfeed is very helpful in mastitis.  The stagnation of milk within the breast provides the food/substrate for the bacteria to cause the mastitis.  Regular flow prevents this and helps to resolve the mastitis.  Breastfeeding is the best means of emptying the breast of milk (better than pumping).  Working with a lactation consultant is highly recommended.

Question 8

can i breastfeed my baby if i have mastitis?

Accepted Answer

Mastitis: Yes, it is safe to nurse your baby with the infected breast. The main cause for the mastitis is your baby not emptying the breast during feedings.

Question 9

is it normal to have mastitis after weaning?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Anytime you have milk sitting in the breast, you can end up with mastitis.  Your doctor can give you antibiotics for the infection and using cold or heat packs (or cabbage leaves) can help with the pain.  You may want to express some milk to help with the pain and give it by bottle or cup, but the more stimulation you give your breasts the more milk and the longer you'll produce.

Question 10

can mastitis cause the baby to get an infection?

Accepted Answer

No: Generally no other than an occasional yeast infection.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What is prepubescent mastitis

A member asked:

What is mastitis?

A member asked:

What are signs of mastitis?

A member asked:

What are the risk factors for reoccurring mastitis?

A member asked:

How can i prevent mastitis?

A member asked:

How can u get rid of mastitis?

A member asked:

Is mastitis normal during pregnancy?

A member asked:

Can you breastfeed along with mastitis?

A member asked:

Can i breastfeed my baby if i have mastitis?

A member asked:

Is it normal to have mastitis after weaning?

A member asked:

Can mastitis cause the baby to get an infection?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?