Frequently
Asked
Questions

Mastitis is a breast infection. It may feel sore like a plugged duct. It may happen when you're stressed or have changes in your usual routine. This may be when guests are visiting, during the holidays, or when you're returning to work. It is not always easy to tell the difference between a breast infection and a plugged duct. They have similar symptoms, and both can get better within a day or two.

But the mastitis may also include other signs, like these: 

• Flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue.

• Yellowish discharge from the nipple that looks like colostrum.

• Breasts that feel tender, warm, or hot to the touch and appear pink or red.

If you have any signs of mastitis, or if you do not feel better within 24 hours of trying the tips for relief, contact your doctor.

The same tips for plugged ducts may help with mastitis. Apply ice, get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and breastfeed often. In addition, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
 

It's important to continue breastfeeding or expressing your milk while you have mastitis; frequent nursing helps drain your breasts and prevent the infection from worsening. Your baby will not be harmed by drinking your breast milk.

If it is too painful to have your baby nurse on the infected breast, move to the other breast. Milk should be emptied from the breast either by the baby or by expressing or pumping it. Be cautious about only expressing what your baby would normally be eating and not overpumping.

Sources: WIC Breastfeeding and Healthy Children 
 

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Plugged ducts are a common concern in breastfeeding moms. A plugged milk duct feels like a tender, sore lump or knot in the breast. It happens when a milk duct does not drain properly. Pressure builds up behind the plugged duct, and the tissue around it gets irritated. This usually happens in one breast at a time.

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A plugged milk duct feels like a sore lump in the breast. Some mothers seem to be more likely to get them. Usually they go away within a few days without doing anything. They often happen when a mother makes more milk than normal.

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Several things can cause plugged ducts:

• Severe engorgement,

• Regularly breastfeeding on only one breast,

• Skipping feedings or not feeding as often as usual, or

• Pressure against the milk ducts. A diaper bag strap or car seat belt pressing across your chest can cause it. So can wearing a bra that is too tight.

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Here are a few tips to help you get relief:

• Lightly massage your breast from the plugged duct down to the nipple before and during breastfeeding.

• Apply ice or cold packs to provide relief and reduce swelling.

• Breastfeed on demand and use different positions.

• Empty the affected breast first.

• Wear a well-fitting, supportive bra that is not tight. Consider trying a bra without an underwire.

• Rely on others to help you get extra sleep or relax. This will speed healing. Sometimes a plugged duct is a sign that you are doing too much.

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Feed your baby on demand instead of scheduling feedings. See if the time between one or more feedings or pumping sessions has recently changed for any reason. Sometimes a mother gets busy with a task and doesn't realize feedings or pumping sessions are being delayed. The way the baby is sucking may also help lead to plugged ducts. Sometimes the baby's latch needs to be checked by a lactation consultant. Also check that the material of nursing bras or clothing bunched during feedings is not putting pressure on milk ducts in a certain part of the breast.

If you have a plugged duct, breastfeed or remove milk often. And switch different feeding positions. Don't stop breastfeeding. This will make the problem worse. It often helps to place cool compresses on the area. Massage very gently above and then over the affected area when breastfeeding or pumping as well. Hard or excessive massage can make the problem worse. If you are pumping often, it is important that you are using the correct flange size. Don't try to completely empty the breast every time you pump.

Many women can take over-the-counter pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help with the pain. Ask your healthcare provider first. 

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When to get help

Contact your healthcare provider right away if:

• The lump doesn't go away in a few days

• You feel ill

• You have a fever or chills

• The area around the lump looks red

This could be a sign that you have an infection (mastitis). You may need to take antibiotics. 

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Sources: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and John Hopkins