Breast infection or mastitis

Mastitis is an infection of the breast, most often experienced by nursing mothers. It can also occur unrelated to pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is caused by bacteria that enter the nipple, usually from the baby’s nose or throat, causing inflammation of the mammary glands. This inflammation can spread throughout the breast, and the bacterial infection can enter the bloodstream. The most common bacteria are Staph aureus, S. epidermidis, and Streptococci. Nipple abrasion, blocked milk ducts, poor lowering, tight bra, long intervals between feedings, such as during weaning, or a history of mastitis while breastfeeding are risk factors. Symptoms include red, swollen, hot, painful breast (s), cracked nipples, and enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits. They can also report fever, flu-like symptoms, and hard sinuses.

Abscess formation, recurrence, and milk stasis are complications of mastitis. If there is an abscess, an incision may be made to drain it. Recurrence can occur with future children. Milk stasis occurs when the milk does not drain completely and seeps into the surrounding breast tissue causing pain and inflammation. A breast ultrasound may be done to determine if an abscess or tumor is present. Treatment includes hot baths, loose bras and shirts, continued breastfeeding to prevent engorgement, antibiotics, and pain relievers. Be sure to wash your hands and breasts well before and after breastfeeding. An over-the-counter antibiotic ointment can be applied to cracked nipples, but should be washed before breastfeeding. Medical grade modified lanolin can be applied to the nipple and does not need to be washed before breastfeeding. Hydrogel dressings are designed to heal the nipples, but may require a prescription. If you have an abscess, you may need to use a breast pump until it heals. Breastfeeding the baby when he has mastitis will not hurt the baby since he is the source of the infection. Following up with a lactation consultant is a good idea.

Prevention of mastitis recurrence includes emptying the breasts completely to avoid milk stasis. Alternate feeding positions and rotate pressure areas around the nipple. The baby should be in the proper position with the entire areola in the mouth. Expose sore nipples to air as much as possible. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet. Take a warm shower, allowing the warm water to reach the breasts and massage the breasts in a downward sweeping motion to help drain the breasts. The importance of hand and breast washing cannot be stated enough. It will help prevent bacteria from the surface of the skin from entering a cracked nipple.