Breast infection
If you get a mastitis, it usually starts in the second week after delivery or later.
Symptoms of a breast infection include:
- Warm, red, painful spot(s) on one of your breasts
- Feeding is painful
- High fever (above 38.5 degrees)
- Feeling very sick
Causes of a breast infection can include:
- Clogged milk duct (most common)
- Infected Nipple Cracks
- Fungal infection (candida), thrush
- No more night feedings
- Fatigue
- Combination of these factors
- Feeding on a schedule instead of feeding on demand
A breast infection is almost always only on one side. With a breast infection, it is important to empty and keep the breast PROPERLY. Don't stop feeding or expressing! You should therefore do the following:
- Before feeding, warm your breast with compresses (or a shower). Your milk ducts will then open better, and the breast will be easier to empty.
- Massage your breast towards the nipple before and during feeding.
- Always let the baby empty the “sick” breast first. (Maximum 24 hours!) The inflammation has no influence on the quality of the milk. However, milk production in the affected breast may temporarily decrease.
- After 2 hours, repeat as described above.
- Take 2 paracetamol (every six hours) and go to bed, rest is important.
- Consult with your midwife. At least with a fever higher than 38.5 degrees Celsius.
Usually after 24 hours the complaints have diminished to such an extent that you feel a lot better. If this is not the case, or if you still have a fever, your doctor can prescribe antibiotics. Advice from a lactation consultant can also be wise.
