Understanding mastitis and breast pain
Did you know? Up to one in three moms who breastfeed may experience a painful condition called mastitis.
As a new mom who is breastfeeding, you are already doing the best for your little one. You know breastfeeding will give your baby the very best start in life—as well as providing health benefits that will last a lifetime. For some moms, breastfeeding will come naturally and continue without any issues. Yet, for others, it may present challenges. And, like any new skill, breastfeeding can take practice and perseverance.
Breastfeeding concerns
Some common concerns moms who breastfeed have include worrying they don’t have enough milk (which is, in fact, very rare), sore or cracked nipples, overfull breasts, or breast pain. Painful breasts can be one of the symptoms of an inflammatory condition called mastitis. Mastitis usually occurs due to a build-up or ‘stagnation’ of milk inside a mom’s breast. Another common cause of mastitis is infection in the breast ducts, due to having too much harmful bacteria such as Staphylococci.
Mastitis and breast pain may be common reasons why moms stop breastfeeding earlier than they planned. As well as breast pain, redness, and swelling, mastitis sufferers may experience flu-like symptoms, including fever, sweats, shivering, and achiness. There are a number of ways mastitis can be treated, and your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if infection is present. However, recurrence rates of mastitis can be high.
You can help prevent painful breastfeeding and mastitis by following the advice in 8 ways to help prevent mastitis. If you think you might have mastitis symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider.
Sources
Amir LH, Trupin S, Kvist LJ. Diagnosis and treatment of mastitis in breastfeeding women. J Hum Lact 2014; 30(1):10-3.
Amir LH, Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee. ABM Clinical Protocol #4: Mastitis, revised March 2014. Breastfeed Med 2014; 9(5): doi: 10.1089/bfm.2014.9984.
Angelopoulou A, Field D, Ryan CA et al. The microbiology and treatment of human mastitis. Med Microbiol Immunol 2018, 207(2):83-94.
Arroyo R, Martin V, Maldonado A et al. Treatment of infectious mastitis during lactation: Antibiotics versus oral administration of Lactobacilli isolated from breast milk. Clin Infect Dis 2010; 50(12):1551-8.
Core curriculum for lactation consultant practice: International Lactation Consultant Association, Mannel, Martens, Walker, Eds, 3rd ed; 2013.
Cullinane M. Amir LH, Donath SM et al. Determinants of mastitis in women in the CASTLE study: a cohort study. BMC Fam Pract 2015; 16:181. doi: 10.1186/s12875-015-0396-5.
Infant Feeding Survey, UK, 2012;
Health and Social Care Information Center, HNS, IFF Research, 2012. Infant feeding survey 2010. http://digital.nhs.uk/catalogue/PUB08694 (accessed May 23, 2018)
Jimenez E, de Andres J, Manrique M et al. Metagenomic analysis of milk of healthy and mastitis-suffering women. J Hum Lact 2015, 31(3):406-15.
Kvist L. Re-examination of old truths: replication of a study to measure the incidence of lactational mastitis in breastfeeding women. Int Breastfeed J 2013, 8(1):2. doi:1186/1746-4358-8-2.
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mastitis/basics/symptoms/… (Accessed May 23, 2018)
Odom EC, Li R, Scanlon KS, et al. Reasons for earlier than desired cessation of breastfeeding. Pediatrics 2013; 131(3):e726-32.
World Health Organization. Mastitis causes and management. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2000.
Last revised: February, 2018
Related articles
Baby hunger cues
Depending on their level of hunger, your baby’s cues may become very obvious to you.
2 mins to read
The truth about breastfeeding
With so much information on breastfeeding out there, can you separate the fact from the fiction? Put your knowledge to the test with our quick quiz.
1 min to read
Your baby knows how much they need
Did you know? Nursing—feeding your baby directly from your breast—helps to protect her ability to drink only as much as she needs.
2 mins to read
How to support your baby’s growth and health
Breast milk contains the right quantity and quality of proteins to boost your baby’s growth and health—both now and in the future.
2 mins to read
Did you know?
Breast milk is the best start for babies.
1 min to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: 4 steps for a successful start
Everything you need to know about breastfeeding in four steps.
1 min to read
How often will my baby feed?
6 things you need to know about feeding your baby in their first six months.
2 mins to read
Protein: the right amount for baby?
Meeting your baby’s protein needs in the crucial first 1000 days is important. Fortunately, breast milk has the right amount of protein for your baby.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: Get started
Like any new skill, breastfeeding can take practice and perseverance to master. Follow these simple steps for a smoother journey and it’ll feel like second nature in no time.
5 mins to read
Responsive feeding: Learn about how to feed your baby
Can you identify which of these responsive feeding principles are fact and which ones are fiction?
2 mins to read
What is mastitis?
Did you know?
1 min to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: Get a good latch
Breastfeeding has lifelong health benefits for your baby. Take the time to learn about these latching techniques now, so you'll have an easier time later.
4 mins to read
Breastfeeding: one day at a time…
Different types of breastmilk| Nestlé Baby & me
1 min to read
Did you know? Breast milk helps both moms and babies
Breast milk helps both moms and babies.
1 min to read
How to pump your breast milk
Everything you need to know about expressing your breast milk and choosing the most suitable breast pump for you.
1 min to read
What your baby is telling you
Did you know? Your baby was born with the natural ability to eat when they’re hungry and stop when they’re full.
2 mins to read
Breastfeeding for beginners: Get comfortable
Check out these four tried-and-tested breastfeeding holds that help you both relax and encourage your baby to latch on well. Which one works best for you?
2 mins to read
Baby’s first “superfood”
Breast milk is nature’s perfection. Find out about four breast milk ingredients with special powers that do more than just feed your little one.
1 min to read
Your breastfeeding FAQs
The most common breastfeeding concerns, answered by a Nestlé lactation specialist.
4 mins to read
