Mastitis

How Is Lactational Mastitis Treated?

Treatment involves pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, ice packs, rest, and support (a well-fitting bra). Women with mild mastitis don’t need to stop nursing. The health care provider will prescribe antibiotics for the infection and suggest nursing from the unaffected breast, pumping, or expressing the involved breast. Emptying the breast adequately may stop bacteria from collecting in the breast and may help shorten the infection.

If tenderness and fever don’t get better quickly, an abscess (pocket of pus) may be present. The abscess may need prompt surgical drainage.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Lactational Mastitis:

• DO pay attention to good hygiene practices during nursing. Avoid using drying agents, always wash your hands, and keep your nipples and baby clean.
• DO breastfeed from the uninfected breast and empty both breasts completely using a pump on the infected breast.
• DO avoid getting dehydrated. Drink extra fluids.
• DO get enough rest and eat a balanced diet when you nurse. You have a greater chance of infection if you’re rundown.
• DO prevent cracking or fissuring of nipples. Use a breast or nipple shield if you have cracked nipples.
• DO call your health care provider if you have a high temperature, vomiting, or increasing redness, swelling, or pain in your breast.
• DO check with your health care provider in 1 to 2 weeks to make sure that the infection is gone.

• DON’T stop nursing unless your health care provider says to.
• DON’T ignore worsening symptoms. Untreated mastitis can lead to breast abscesses, a serious condition.