Mastitis inflammation of the breast

Mastitis  Overview

During breast feeding Mastitis infection may occur to tissues of the breast. It can occur when bacteria enter  from the baby's mouth through milk duct through a crack in the nipple.

Breast infections may occur in

• women who have not recently delivered

• women after menopause

The infection may occur in one to three months after the delivery of a baby.

The infection can also  occur in  chronic mastitis and a rare form of cancer called inflammatory carcinoma.

Symptoms

• pain, redness, and warmth of the breast

•  Tenderness and swelling

•  Body aches

•  Fatigue

•  Breast engorgement

•  Fever and chills

•  Rigor or shaking

• Abscess

Prevent Mastitis

Follow the following instructions and prevent Mastitis

• Relieve engorgement promptly

• Breastfeed frequently

• Avoid sleeping on your stomach

• Get plenty of rest (both of mind and body)

Avoid

•  Irregular breastfeeding

• Missing feedings

• Skipping pumping sessions

• Avoid fatigue and stress