Mastitis

Mastitis

Mastitis is swelling in the breast tissue that can sometimes lead to an infection. It is often caused by having too much milk or a change in the natural bacteria in your breasts. After giving birth, you may have engorgement (painful swelling in the breasts). This is not mastitis and should go away within two weeks.

Signs of Mastitis

Mastitis usually happens in one breast and can cause your breast to be swollen or red. Other symptoms might include:

  • Fever (101°F or higher)
  • Chills
  • Body aches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Yellowish discharge from the nipple
  • A tender, warm, or hot area on the breast

If you don’t start feeling better within 24–48 hours, call your healthcare provider. You might need antibiotics. While not all cases of mastitis are caused by infection, it’s important to take the full course of antibiotics if prescribed.

What you can do:

  • Keep breastfeeding
  • It’s safe to breastfeed while you have mastitis. Nursing can help reduce engorgement, ease symptoms, and speed healing.
  • Follow your baby’s hunger cues
  • Feed your baby from the unaffected breast first, then offer the affected side. Don’t try to fully empty your breasts. If pumping, only remove enough milk to meet your baby’s needs.
  • Use cold compresses
  • Apply ice packs hourly or as needed. Avoid using heat, as it can increase swelling. A warm shower is okay, but don’t place heat packs directly on your breasts.
  • Stay hydrated and rest
  • Drink plenty of water and get as much rest as you can to help your body heal.
  • Wear a supportive bra
  • Avoid tight bras or those with underwire.
  • Ensure a good latch
  • Make sure your baby is latching deeply and comfortably. A good latch helps drain milk effectively. WIC can help if you’re having trouble with latching.
  • Manage pain
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter pain relievers that are safe to use.
  • Try gentle massage
  • Use light, gentle strokes with your fingers, starting at the nipple and moving toward your armpit or collarbone. Massage during or right before feeding can help with milk flow and ease discomfort. Avoid pressing too hard, which might worsen symptoms. Stop if it hurts or your symptoms get worse, and talk to your healthcare provider.
Breast lymphatic massage

It’s safe to feed your baby breast milk when you have mastitis. Your milk might look clumpy or stringy, but it’s still healthy for your baby.

If your symptoms don’t improve or you’re unsure about anything, reach out to WIC or your healthcare provider for help.

Side-Lying-Hold

Side-Lying Hold

  1. For the right breast, lie on your right side with your baby facing you.
  2. Pull your baby close. Your baby’s mouth should be level with your nipple.
  3. In this position, you can cradle your baby’s back with your left arm and support yourself with your right arm and/or pillows.
  4. Keep loose clothing and bedding away from your baby.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You want to rest while baby feeds
  • You are breastfeeding in the middle of the night
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
cross-cradle-hold-1

Cross-Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, use your left arm to hold your baby’s head at your right breast and baby’s body toward your left side. A pillow across your lap can help support your left arm.
  2. Gently place your left hand behind your baby’s ears and neck, with your thumb and index finger behind each ear and your palm between baby’s shoulder blades. Turn your baby’s body toward yours so your tummies are touching.
  3. Hold your breast as if you are squeezing a sandwich. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  4. As your baby’s mouth opens, push gently with your left palm on baby’s head to help them latch on. Make sure you keep your fingers out of the way.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is premature
  • Your baby has a weak suck
  • Your baby needs help to stay latched
  • Your baby needs extra head support
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
Football-hold

Clutch or “Football” Hold

  1. For the right breast, hold your baby level, facing up, at your right side.
  2. Put your baby’s head near your right nipple and support their back and legs under your right arm.
  3. Hold the base of your baby’s head with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby’s weight.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Bring baby to you instead.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • You had a C-section
  • You have large breasts
  • You have flat or inverted nipples
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You are breastfeeding twins
  • Your baby likes to feed in an upright position
  • Your baby has reflux
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
CRADLE-HOLD​

Cradle Hold

  1. For the right breast, cradle your baby with your right arm. Your baby will be on their left side across your lap, facing you at nipple level.
  2. Your baby’s head will rest on your right forearm with your baby’s back along your inner arm and palm.
  3. Turn your baby’s tummy toward your tummy. Your left hand is free to support your breast, if needed. Pillows can help support your arm and elbow.
  4. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby. Instead, bring your baby to you.
  5. Reverse for the left breast.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby needs help latching on
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position
laid-back

Laid-Back Hold

  1. Lean back on a pillow with your baby’s tummy touching yours and their head at breast level. Some moms find that sitting up nearly straight works well. Others prefer to lean back and lie almost flat.
  2. You can place your baby’s cheek near your breast, or you may want to use one hand to hold your breast near your baby. It’s up to you and what you think feels best.
  3. Your baby will naturally find your nipple, latch, and begin to suckle.

This hold is useful when:

  • Your baby is placed on your chest right after birth
  • You have a strong milk let-down
  • You have large breasts
  • You and your baby are comfortable in this position