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Women's health

Recognizing Mastitis Signs: A Guide for New Moms

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Recognizing Mastitis Signs: A Guide for New Moms

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The breastfeeding journey is special and fulfilling but not always easy. Being aware of potential challenges, like mastitis, is important because catching it early can prevent discomfort and ensure a smoother breastfeeding experience.

For new moms or those just starting their breastfeeding journey, mastitis can feel daunting and overwhelming. To ease concerns, we're consulting certified lactation counsellor Alexis Cascone, MS, RD, LDN, CLC,  for guidance on identifying signs and symptoms of mastitis.

What is Mastitis?

Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue, which usually happens during breastfeeding. Cascone explains that when the breast tissue becomes inflamed, it can lead to swelling, pain, flu-like symptoms, aching, warmth in the breast, and redness. If left untreated, mastitis can lead to an infection and fever. "Early detection is key in mastitis. If left untreated, it can turn into a breast abscess, which typically requires surgical treatment," says Cascone.

Women can develop two types of mastitis:

Lactational mastitis: This is the most common type, and it's mastitis resulting from a blocked milk duct in breastfeeding women.

Non-lactational mastitis: This type results from an infected nipple in non-breastfeeding women.

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Severity of mastitis

Below are the various levels of severity of mastitis:

Clinical mastitis: This is when your breast gets inflamed and leads to an infection. Cascone says you'll notice symptoms like breast tenderness, erythema, fever, fatigue, and body aches.

Subclinical mastitis: This type is asymptomatic, and you won't necessarily see or feel symptoms. Cascone explains that doctors can diagnose it by checking for high levels of sodium in breast milk or a sodium/potassium ratio.

Chronic mastitis: With this type, you have ongoing breast pain without signs of inflammation like warmth or redness.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Mastitis

If you think you might have mastitis, here are some symptoms you may notice:

  • Sore or tender breasts
  • A hard spot or lump on your breast
  • Hot or swollen breasts
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Breast pain
  • Red marks or streaks on your breast
A woman in a bra and pajama pants sitting on her bedrooms floor cupping her right breast iStock

Every woman is different; some may experience one or a combination of these symptoms. Cascone explains that flu-like symptoms usually appear first in clinical mastitis. If left untreated, the infection can become a painful lump or hardened area in the breast that becomes tender and swollen. Cascone adds that a lump can progress into an abscess in some women.

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How is mastitis diagnosed and treated?

If you think you have mastitis or notice any symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. They'll assess your symptoms and check for severe signs like a fever or abscess.

Fortunately, there are some simple at-home mastitis treatment options, including:

  • Emptying the breast: Consistently emptying your breast can help with blocked milk ducts. Keep breastfeeding or pumping, even if it feels uncomfortable.
  • Breast massage: Cascone suggests gently massaging your infected breast in a circular motion, moving towards the nipples, to encourage better milk flow.
  • Medication: If home remedies don't improve your condition, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. If you're in pain, they may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.

When should I seek medical help for my mastitis?

Dealing with mastitis, while manageable, can leave a mom feeling exhausted and frustrated. Cascone points out, "Sometimes having mastitis will lead a mom to wean her baby before she wishes to."

Mastitis can sometimes resolve independently, but it can also quickly progress. If you don't start feeling better within 24 hours, don't hesitate to contact your doctor for further guidance and support.

Doctor examining patient's breast with her hands iStock

How do you prevent mastitis?

Besides the importance of early detection, it's also good to know what factors can increase the risk of mastitis. Some of these factors include:

  • Blocked milk duct: If your breast doesn't fully empty of milk during breastfeeding, a clogged milk duct can cause mastitis.
  • Cracked nipple: Small cracks in your nipple can let bacteria in, leading to an infection.
  • Pressure on the breast: Cascone explains that wearing tight-fitting bras or clothing that puts extreme pressure on your breast can lead to mastitis.
  • Breast engorgement: If you go too long without feeding your baby or pumping, your breast can become engorged, which could cause mastitis. Cascone recommends using a warm washcloth to massage the breast for 10 to 20 minutes before or during nursing sessions. "If your breast is engorged, you can try reverse pressure softening. To do this, press all five fingertips on the base of the nipple and apply pressure for one minute. If this isn't enough, gently hand express a small amount of milk before feeding and pumping," explains Cascone.

Your medical history and lifestyle choices could also increase your risk for mastitis, including:

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  • If your body produces too much breast milk, known as hyperlactation, it can lead to engorgement.
  • If you forget to pump or skip too many breastfeeding sessions.
  • If you have a medical history of mastitis.
  • If you have rushed breastfeeding sessions, and your baby doesn't have a chance to empty the breasts.

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Dahlia Rimmon is a pediatric dietitian and freelance writer. When she’s not preparing yummy snacks for her kids, Dahlia delights in traveling and hiking with her family. She lives with her husband, children, and puppy in the Midwest.

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