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Mastitis
Mastitis is a breast infection. You will have many of the same signs and symptoms as a plugged duct / engorgement accompanied by a fever usually greater than 101 and/or flu like symptoms. You will most likely experience severe breast discomfort. Mastitis usually occurs in one breast although it is possible to have bilateral Mastitis. Many times a breastfeeding mother will find herself developing a breast infection when others in her family may have colds or other types of flu. Initiation of treatment at the first signs of complication is very important.
What do you do?
- GET PLENTY OF REST
- Continue to breastfeed frequently
- Apply heat
- Gentle massage
- If your fever persists greater than 24 hours or gets above 101.5 degrees you will need to contact your physician. Prescription medication probably needs to be started as soon as possible. Studies have shown that continuing to breastfeed helps these infections to clear up faster. No, it will not harm your baby to continue to nurse and there are medications used to treat mastitis that are safe for breastfeeding. Make sure your doctor knows you are breastfeeding. If you are prescribed an antibiotic it is imperative you finish the entire bottle. If the infection is not completely treated it can reoccur.
