• inflammation of the breast

• occurs primarily in lactating women

• warmth, redness and swelling in one area of the breast

• 1/5 brest feeding mothers will experience mastitis

• risk factors:

  • cracked/sore nipples

  • infant attachment difficulties

  • missed feeds/changed routines

  • milk stasis;

    • restrictive clothing/straps

  • candida infection

  • maternal fatigue

  • previous mastitis

  • use of manual breast pump

Management

maintian breast feeding

• if stopped:

  • milk stasis will increase

  • more likely bresat avscess wwill occur

• best milk removal from breast

• continued feeding after mastitis has resolved

• in first 24hrs, in absence of systemic signs of infection

  • continued breast feeding along with gentle breast massage, hot compreses and rest = recommended

• Feeding from infected breast can continue wihtout concern of passing infection

  • infant usually infected wiht same organis @ time mastitis develops

  • if not feeidng -> express

Medication

(if required)

• paracetamol or an nsaid may be used for pain and inflammation

• safe to use while breastfeeidng

• antibiotics

  • symptoms not improved in 24h

  • systemic symptoms

  • S.aureus

  • flucloxacillin 500mg qds for 7/7

    • safe during BF

    • may cause loose bowel motions in infant

Complications

• breast abscess

  • firm area of breast

  • identified by breast uss

  • surgical draininage or needle aspiration

  • can usually continue except where mother severely unwell or drainage incision inhibits BF