Mastitis

Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast that may be accompanied by infection. Mastitis mostly occurs during the first six weeks post-partum, however, it can also occur at any other point during lactation. Causes of mastitis are linked to insufficient milk drainage, milk stasis and inflammation. Blocked ducts and engorged breasts can also lead to mastitis if they are not treated appropriately.

Mums can be predisposed to mastitis for a number of reasons, which may include damaged nipples, especially if colonised with Staphylococcus aureus and illness or stress. Other factors that can lead to mastitis include long periods between breastfeeds or infrequent feeding, poor attachment to the breast leading to insufficient milk removal, tight clothing around the breast, over-supply of milk, rapid weaning and a white spot on the nipple.

Signs of mastitis

Mastitis may be defined as a tender, warm or hot, swollen, wedge-shaped area of the breast, usually accompanied by a fever (>38.5C). Mastitis symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for flu. Mastitis may also refer to inflammation of the breast appearing as breast redness, breast pain and heat when the breast is engorged (link to engorgement topic) or blocked, without the presence of infection. Engorgement can still lead to infective mastitis and breast abscess if not treated appropriately. Mastitis can get worse within just a few hours and needs immediate treatment.

Evaluation

Consultation with a medical professional immediately after symptoms develop is recommended for diagnosis and mastitis treatment. In most cases, laboratory investigations or other diagnostic procedures are not normally recommended, unless:

• mastitis has previously been diagnosed and there is no response to treatment
• the mastitis reoccurs
• it is hospital-acquired mastitis
• allergies to usual antibiotics exist
• or the case is severe or unusual

Study abstracts

A descriptive study of mastitis in Australian breastfeeding women: incidence and determinants

Mastitis is one of the most common problems experienced by women who are breastfeeding. Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue, which may or may ...

Mitchell KB et al. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The masti tis spectrum, Revised 2022. Breastfeed Med. 2022; 17(5):360–376.

Study abstracts

A descriptive study of mastitis in Australian breastfeeding women: incidence and determinants

Mastitis is one of the most common problems experienced by women who are breastfeeding. Mastitis is an inflammation of breast tissue, which may or may ...

Amir LH, Forster DA , Lumley J, McLachlan H (2007)

BMC Public Health. 7:62

Mitchell KB et al. Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The masti tis spectrum, Revised 2022. Breastfeed Med. 2022; 17(5):360–376.