By Kristi Patrice Carter

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue, which commonly affects nursing and lactating women. The infection occurs when bacteria enters the breast through a crack in the nipple or through the opening of the milk duct in the nipple. This infection often causes swelling, pain, and redness of the breast tissue. Although it can be extremely painful, it is not usually a serious or life threatening condition.

Most women mistake the early signs of mastitis as the warning signs of the flu because the symptoms present themselves suddenly. Your breasts may feel warm or be very tender. Swelling is common, as is a continuous burning sensation or pain while breastfeeding. The skin on the breast will often be red and in the shape of a wedge. Women with mastitis often have a fever over 101 degrees, which leads them to incorrectly assume they are suffering from the flu.

The risk factors associated with developing mastitis include:

• Sore nipples
• Cracked nipples
• Wearing a bra that is too tight
• A past history of mastitis
• Not fully draining each breast during feedings
• Using only one position while feeding

You will need to seek medical attention promptly in order to rid yourself of mastitis. If you have never had mastitis before, your doctor will want to examine you in order to confirm the diagnosis. Most doctors will prescribe a course of antibiotics that will extend over a 10 to 14 day period. As with any prescription, you will need to take the entire prescription as it is prescribed in order to ensure that the infection is gone.

There are also other steps you can take in order to help rid yourself of the mastitis infection. Warm compresses can help alleviate the pain and pressure in your breasts. Drinking extra fluids will help flush your system and is a recommended practice when on antibiotics. It is also important to continue to breastfeed during treatment. This will benefit both you and your baby. It is also important to avoid prolonged periods of breast engorgement. This may mean that you will have to use a breast pump. You can also take ibuprofen or acetaminophen in order to ease any discomfort you may be experiencing.

Although a diagnosis of mastitis may cause initial concern and pain, you can manage mastitis by being informed and taking the necessary steps toward treatment. Mastitis may be painful, but it does not need to interrupt your nursing schedule.