Breastfeeding Mastitis

Breastfeeding Mastitis

Article
Kids' Zone
Women's Health
+3
Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAAug 07, 2018

What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

  • Acute Mastitis while Breastfeeding
  • Mastadenitis (Breastfeeding)
  • Mastitis while Breastfeeding

What is Breastfeeding Mastitis? (Definition/Background Information)

  • Breastfeeding Mastitis is an infection in the breast tissue resulting in pain, swelling, redness and warmth. The condition typically occurs in breastfeeding women, especially in the first 6 months following childbirth
  • The most common risk factor for Breastfeeding Mastitis is delaying or skipping breastfeeding or pumping sessions along with cracked or irritated nipples. Wounds on the nipples can cause bacteria to enter the breast causing an infection and inflammation
  • Fever and chills along with a pain in one breast is a sign of Breastfeeding Mastitis. The possible complications of the condition include stopping breastfeeding and spread of bacterial infection to other parts of the body
  • Breastfeeding Mastitis is normally treated with antibiotics, though other factors such as rest, warm and cold compresses can help speed up the recovery process
  • The condition can be avoided by ensuring that one is fully emptying the breast during every feeding session along with adopting correct feeding techniques (latching on to the breast)
  • Most women diagnosed with Breastfeeding Mastitis heal with suitable treatment, though some may stop breastfeeding. In rare cases, the condition can be severe with the bacteria spreading to the blood

Who gets Breastfeeding Mastitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

  • Breastfeeding Mastitis is most common in the first 6 months of breastfeeding
  • About 10-30 % of breastfeeding mothers experience mastitis
  • However, the condition can affect any woman
  • There is no specific racial or ethnic group preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Breastfeeding Mastitis? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Breastfeeding Mastitis may include:

  • A past history of the condition (while breastfeeding)
  • Delaying or skipping breastfeeding or pumping sessions causes the breasts to become too full and this can lead to mastitis
  • Cracked or irritated nipples as a result of poor positioning of the infant or poor latching on
  • Women with anemia are more likely to get infections, such as mastitis, because resistance to infection is lower
  • Wearing a tight bra or putting pressure on the breast via a seatbelt
  • Carrying a heavy shoulder bag that restricts the milk flow
  • Being overly tired or stressed
  • Poor nutrition status of the mother
  • An infant with a cleft lip or palate
  • The use of a manual breast pump
  • Certain yeast infections

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases the chance of getting a condition in comparison to an individual without any risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

At the same time, not having a risk factor does not mean one will not get a condition. For more clarity, discuss with your healthcare provider the effects of risk factors.

What are the Causes of Breastfeeding Mastitis? (Etiology)

Breastfeeding Mastitis is an infection that is usually caused by a bacterium. The bacteria enter the breast tissue through the nipple during breastfeeding. The following factors contribute to causation of Breastfeeding Mastitis:

  • A nursing mother can contract the condition when the nipple is cracked or sore
  • Going for long amounts of time without emptying the breast totally or without nursing the child can contribute to development of this condition
  • When the breast does not get completely emptied at feedings, a milk duct can become clogged and can cause milk to backup leading to an infection
  • If the baby has teeth, it can scratch/wound the breast while suckling

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breastfeeding Mastitis?

The signs and symptoms of Breastfeeding Mastitis may include:

  • The condition begins as a painful area in one breast
  • This area can be warm to the touch or red colored, often wedge-shaped in pattern, or both
  • Fever, chills and body aches can occur
  • If Mastitis while Breastfeeding is getting worse, the lymph nodes in the armpit next to the infected breast can may become swollen and hurt
  • Due to this, a breast abscess may form, which feels like a painful and hard lump
  • Breast swelling
  • A burning sensation or pain can occur while breastfeeding

How is Breastfeeding Mastitis Diagnosed?

  • A healthcare provider will be able to diagnose Breastfeeding Mastitis normally by discussing symptoms and through examinations
  • Testing is usually not necessary to diagnose the condition

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Breastfeeding Mastitis?

Breastfeeding Mastitis is associated with decreased milk production, less productivity, and difficulties caring for the infant. The complications may include:

  • If mastitis is not properly treated, an abscess or collection of pus can develop as a result of the blocked milk duct and this often requires surgical drainage
  • Septicemia or the spreading of bacteria from the initial site to other parts of the body through blood can occur in more serious infections. This can be very dangerous to the health of the mother
  • Infants may dislike the taste of milk from the infected breast. This may be due to increased salt content and this can make breastfeeding difficult
  • The illness burden to mothers: The presence of Mastitis while Breastfeeding can delay the mother returning to work. This can result in the loss of income and corresponding increase in stress

Sometimes, the affected mothers may wish to stop breastfeeding as a result of having Breastfeeding Mastitis. But, it is important to realize there are many nutrients in breast milk vital to the proper development of the infant. Hence, it is not advised to stop breastfeeding the child.

How is Breastfeeding Mastitis Treated?

The treatment of Breastfeeding Mastitis may involve the following measures:

  • Recovery from Breastfeeding Mastitis occurs more swiftly while resting, drinking fluids, and placing warm or cold packs on the affected breast
  • Working mothers are recommended to stay at home and rest. They should not resume work until the signs and symptoms have disappeared and there is a complete healing. Adequate rest helps in the treatment and recovery from Breastfeeding Mastitis
  • Prior to breastfeeding, placing a wet and warm washcloth over the breast for about 15 minutes can help improve the condition. This may be repeated twice (or more times) each day
  • Massaging the painful breast may also increase milk flow
  • If breastfeeding is too painful, pumping may be tried to avoid discomfort
  • Taking pain or fever reducers can help reduce inflammation and increase comfort level
  • Antibiotics are normally the cure for Breastfeeding Mastitis. The healthcare provider prescribes antibiotics that does not harm the baby in any manner, through breast milk

To breastfeed with less pain, it may be important to consider the help of a lactation consultant; someone who specializes in helping women breastfeed more effectively

How can Breastfeeding Mastitis be Prevented?

One can prevent Breastfeeding Mastitis by using different breastfeeding techniques as well as by ensuring that the baby is latched on properly during nursing and cracked nipples are avoided.

  • The condition may be prevented through methods that can be discussed with a lactation consultant
  • Milk should be fully drained from breasts while breastfeeding
  • Changing positions during the feeding session is recommended. This can help in completely draining the milk from both breasts
  • Make sure the infant latches on properly during breastfeeding using the correct technique

What is the Prognosis of Breastfeeding Mastitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

  • The prognosis of Breastfeeding Mastitis is typically good, because with proper treatment and medication the condition normally heals
  • Nevertheless, the prognosis depends upon the severity of the condition. Mild infections generally heal faster and do better than severe infections. Mild cases may last for about 2 weeks, while severe infections may take about 6 weeks to heal
  • As with any infection, not treating the bacterial infection with antibiotics can lead to more serious complications, such as septicemia or bacterial spread to other parts of the body, which can be dangerous
  • Breastfeeding Mastitis is less known for causing serious complications other than simply making breastfeeding more difficult; therefore, many women tend to stop breastfeeding as an end result, until the there is a full recovery

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Breastfeeding Mastitis:

The antibacterial properties of breast milk protect the infant from infection, which is why it is safe to breastfeed with an infected breast.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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