What is it?
Inflammation of the breast tissue. It may be caused by a missed breastfeed, or if breasts are not emptied effectively due to poor attachment. There is usually an accompanying infection.
Signs
Painfully full breasts, hard lumps, a red patch on skin, and flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, headache, chills or a raised temperature.
Warning
If it is not treated immediately mastitis can become more serious and develop into an abscess.
What to Do
See your GP or Child Health Nurse as soon as the signs appear. The usual treatment is bedrest, plenty of fluids, warm compresses, long hot showers and breast massage, plus paracetamol for the pain. Antibiotics may be needed. Continue breastfeeding as usual. Empty breasts at each feed (you may need to express some milk).
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