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 lactation. It is caused by bacteria entering 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 let-down, tight bra, long intervals between nursing, such as during weaning, or a previous history of mastitis while nursing are all risk factors. Symptoms include breast redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, cracked nipples, and enlarged underarm lymph nodes. They may also report fever, flu-like symptoms, and hard breasts.

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 is when milk does not drain completely and leaks into the surrounding breast tissue causing pain and swelling. A breast ultrasound may be done to determine if an abscess or tumor is present. Treatment includes warm 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 nursing. An over-the-counter antibiotic ointment can be applied to cracked nipples, but it should be washed off before nursing. Medical grade modified lanolin can be applied to the nipple and does not need to be washed before feeding. 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 harm the baby as he is the source of the infection. Follow-up with a lactation specialist is a good idea.

Prevention of mastitis recurrence includes emptying the breasts completely to prevent milk stasis. Alternate feeding positions and rotate pressure areas around the nipple. The baby must be correctly positioned with the entire areola in the mouth. Expose sore nipples to the air as much as possible. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy diet. Take a warm shower, allowing the warm water to hit the breasts and massage the breasts in a downward sweeping motion to help drain the breasts. The importance of hand and sinus washing cannot be expressed enough. It will help prevent bacteria on the skin’s surface from getting into a cracked nipple.