What is mastitis?
It's a breast infection - caused by a blocked milk duct or by invading germs - and it can make you feel pretty miserable.
Symptoms are high fever, malaise, fatigue and red sore spots on the breast.
What causes it?
If you find yourself with mastitis, you're not alone.
About one in 20 nursing and non-nursing mothers get it.
Typically, an infection occurs when germs from the baby's mouth pass into a milk duct through cracks or fissures in the nipples, though non-nursing moms may get a breast infection as a result of the engorgement they experience after giving birth.
Other contributors include not completely emptying breasts of milk and lowered resistance to illness (most new moms are tired, stressed, and probably not eating all that well).
First-time moms are more likely to contract mastitis since their nipples haven't been exposed to the hardships associated with hearty infant sucking.
But while first-timers are more apt to get a bout of mastitis, second- and third-timers aren't immune.
Mastitis can occur at any time while you're breastfeeding. It's most common between days 10 to 28 postpartum.
How do I know if I have it?
Mostly, you'll feel as if you have the flu. Symptoms include: redness, hardness, heat in one or both breasts, lethargy, severe soreness and swelling of the affected milk duct.
Chills, a fever of 101 to 102 degrees and fatigue are also common and more serious signs of the infection.
Though you can get mastitis more than once, you'll never get it in both breasts at the same time. (We hope that's some consolation!)
What can I do to relieve it?
See your caregiver immediately.She'll most likely prescribe antibiotics (if you're nursing, check to make sure medication will not affect your baby, though the most commonly prescribed antibiotic for this is harmless to babies), bedrest, pain relievers, and ice or hot compresses.
Once the antibiotics kick in, you'll start feeling better almost immediately.
Should I stop nursing if I have mastitis?
No. In fact, it's important that you continue nursing through an infection.
Although nursing will be extremely painful at times, it's important to let your baby feed frequently to keep your milk supply flowing and avoid further blockage.
Try warm compresses on your breasts for several minutes before each feeding. This should help your letdown reflex and make nursing more tolerable.
If your baby doesn't empty the inflamed breast during each feeding, finish the job yourself with a breast pump.
And if you find that it is unbearable to nurse, try pumping your breasts with an electric pump and giving the milk to your baby in a bottle.
But don't rely on this solely to get you through the infection, as your baby is a much more efficient "pump" than any device could be in emptying your breasts.
Will my baby get sick from this?
Though you no doubt feel lousy, your baby will not be affected by this infection.
In fact, the germs that caused the infection probably came from your baby's mouth in the first place, so don't worry about reintroducing the same germs back to him.
Will the infection go away by itself?
Ignoring mastitis will only cause complications.
If untreated, mastitis can lead to breast abscesses, which require antibiotics and, often, surgery to drain the abscess.
Consequently, your baby won't be able to nurse on the affected breast.
But take heart; once mastitis is diagnosed, it's easy and quick to treat.
It won't hurt your baby, and though you'll be uncomfortable briefly, you'll soon be back to normal.