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Mastitis is when your breast becomes swollen, hot and painful.
It is most common in breastfeeding women and does not usually need medical treatment.
Mastitis usually only affects 1 breast, and symptoms often come on quickly. They include:
You may also get flu-like symptoms, such as aches, a high temperature (or feeling hot, cold or shivery) and tiredness.
if you are breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed your baby when they want and for as long as they want. You can also offer your baby a breastfeed if your breasts are uncomfortably full
hand express enough breast milk to feed your baby if breastfeeding is too painful, or if your baby does not want to feed from your affected breast
when breastfeeding make sure your baby is positioned and attached properly. Your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist can advise you.
breast pain may be soothed by applying a cold compress (for example a cloth soaked in cold water) to the affected breast for 10 minutes every hour
take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any pain or high temperature
rest
wear a comfortable and supportive bra
do not wear tight-fitting clothing or bras until you feel better
do not take aspirin
do not express more milk than your baby needs
do not apply firm pressure to the breast - any pressure should be gentle
do not stop breastfeeding suddenly – find out how to stop breastfeeding
do not apply oils, soaks or creams to your breast
A GP will usually prescribe antibiotics if you have mastitis and your symptoms are not getting better.
If you're breastfeeding a very small amount of the antibiotic may go into your breast milk. There is no risk to your baby, but it might make them irritable and restless.
If you are breastfeeding and keep getting mastitis, it might be due to problems with positioning and attaching.
If you have any breastfeeding problems, it's important to ask for help from a midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.
You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline 24 hours a day on 0300 100 0212
Mastitis is common in breastfeeding women as it can be caused by a build-up of milk.
Women who are not breastfeeding can also get mastitis, as can men. This can be caused by:
