Mastitis While Breastfeeding: Causes, Symptoms & Support
- Mastitis while breastfeeding is inflammation of breast tissue that can cause breast pain, redness, swelling and flu-like symptoms.
- Factors such as breast engorgement, long gaps between feeds, nipple damage and feeding difficulties may contribute, although the cause is not always clear.
- In many cases, breastfeeding or expressing can continue with mastitis, but individual advice still matters.
- If you think you may have mastitis, seek advice promptly from a health professional.
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Mastitis while breastfeeding is inflammation of breast tissue that can cause breast pain, redness, swelling and flu-like symptoms. If you think you may have mastitis, seek advice promptly from a health professional.
This guide explains what mastitis can feel like, factors that may contribute to it, whether breastfeeding can usually continue, and when to seek professional advice. It is general information and does not replace individual medical care.
What Is Mastitis While Breastfeeding?
Mastitis while breastfeeding is breast inflammation that can make part of the breast feel painful, hot, swollen or red. It can also make you feel generally unwell, similar to having the flu.
Factors such as breast engorgement, long gaps between feeds, nipple damage and feeding difficulties may contribute, although the cause is not always clear. Pregnancy Birth and Baby describes mastitis as common in breastfeeding women and advises seeing a health professional early if you think you may have it.
Early support can help you understand what is happening and what care may be suitable for your situation.
What Are the Symptoms of Mastitis While Breastfeeding?
Mastitis symptoms can involve both breast symptoms and whole-body symptoms. Some people feel unwell before they notice a clear breast change.
| Symptom area | What you may notice |
|---|---|
| Breast symptoms | Pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth, redness or a firm area |
| Body symptoms | Aches, tiredness or flu-like symptoms |
| Feeding changes | Pain while feeding, discomfort between feeds or changes in milk flow |
| Escalation signs | If you are worried about your symptoms, speak with a health professional |
For a deeper checklist, read: Mastitis Symptoms While Breastfeeding .
What Causes Mastitis While Breastfeeding?
The cause is not always clear, but factors such as breast engorgement, long gaps between feeds, nipple damage and feeding difficulties may contribute. Infection may or may not be present.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association explains that mastitis is inflammation of breast tissue.
Mastitis concerns can also overlap with blocked duct-style symptoms or localised breast inflammation. Breastfeeding support can help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Can You Keep Breastfeeding With Mastitis?
In many cases, breastfeeding or expressing can continue with mastitis, but individual advice still matters. If feeding is very painful, symptoms are worsening, or you feel very unwell, speak with your health professional.
Pregnancy Birth and Baby advises keeping breastfeeding or expressing if you are diagnosed with mastitis and states that breastmilk is suitable for your baby.
The Royal Women's Hospital also states that breastmilk is suitable for the baby even if you have mastitis, and that you can keep breastfeeding or expressing from both breasts.
A health professional can help you work out how to feed or express in a way that suits your symptoms.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Mastitis?
If you think you may have mastitis, contact your health professional.
While waiting for advice, monitor your symptoms and avoid relying on supplements or home remedies as a substitute for medical care. If you have worsening symptoms, get professional help promptly.
Breastfeeding support can also be useful. A health professional may help review latch, feeding comfort, breast fullness, expressing needs or feeding pattern changes.
Mastitis Support: When Professional Care May Be Needed
Mastitis support depends on your symptoms and professional advice. Care may involve breastfeeding support, symptom relief advice, review for causes, and treatment where clinically appropriate.
For a deeper overview, read: Mastitis Support and Self-Care While Breastfeeding.
Self-Care and Breastfeeding Support for Mastitis
Self-care for mastitis concerns is usually discussed alongside professional and breastfeeding support, not instead of it. Cool packs, rest and adequate fluids may help with comfort. Seek individual advice about expressing if feeding is difficult.
A doctor or registered health professional should assess suspected mastitis. A lactation consultant can assist with feeding and expressing support.
The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network mastitis and breastfeeding factsheet discusses continuing to breastfeed or express to keep milk flowing and using a wrapped cool pack to help manage symptoms at home.
Avoid trying remedies without guidance.
For comfort-focused questions, read: Cabbage Leaves for Breast Comfort: What the Evidence Says.
How to Help Reduce the Risk of Mastitis While Breastfeeding
You cannot guarantee that mastitis will not happen, but some breastfeeding routine steps may help support breast comfort and reduce risk.
Common support steps include feeding or expressing regularly where suitable, getting help for painful latch, responding early to engorgement, avoiding long uncomfortable gaps between feeds where possible, and seeking support if weaning or changing feeding patterns.
The Australian Breastfeeding Association has separate guidance on localised breast inflammation, often described as blocked ducts, which is useful for understanding breast concerns while breastfeeding.
For deeper guidance, read: Ways to Help Reduce the Risk of Mastitis While Breastfeeding.
Blocked Ducts vs Mastitis: What Is the Difference?
Localised breast inflammation, sometimes called a 'blocked duct', can share symptoms with mastitis. Mastitis is more likely to involve feeling unwell and flu-like symptoms.
Because symptoms can overlap, do not try to self-diagnose if you are unsure. Seek professional advice especially if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
For a clearer comparison, read: Localised Breast Inflammation and Mastitis: Understanding the Difference.
When to Seek Advice
Seek professional advice promptly if you have flu-like symptoms, worsening symptoms, or symptoms that do not improve. You should also seek help quickly if you are unwell or unsure whether your symptoms are mastitis.
If you have breast symptoms while not breastfeeding, this information is not the right fit. Please seek professional advice.
Mastitis While Breastfeeding FAQs
What is mastitis while breastfeeding?+
Mastitis while breastfeeding is inflammation of breast tissue that can cause breast pain, redness, swelling, warmth and flu-like symptoms. It is commonly discussed during breastfeeding and should be assessed early by a health professional.
What are the first signs of mastitis?+
Early signs may include a painful, tender, warm or swollen area of the breast. Some people also feel tired, achy or flu-like. Mastitis can come on quickly, so seek advice if symptoms appear or worsen.
Can you keep breastfeeding with mastitis?+
Many official breastfeeding resources advise that breastfeeding or expressing can often continue with mastitis. Breastmilk is generally considered suitable for the baby, but individual advice matters if feeding is painful or you feel unwell.
Is breastmilk suitable if you have mastitis?+
Pregnancy Birth and Baby and the Royal Women's Hospital state that breastmilk is suitable for your baby if you have mastitis. Speak with your health professional if you are unsure or struggling to feed comfortably.
What causes mastitis while breastfeeding?+
Mastitis may be linked with breast inflammation, overfull breasts, engorgement, milk flow changes, missed feeds or nipple damage. Causes can vary, so it is important to get professional breastfeeding support rather than guessing.
How long does mastitis last?+
How long mastitis lasts depends on the cause, severity and care needed. Symptoms that worsen, do not improve, or include flu-like feelings should be reviewed promptly by a health professional.
References and official guidance
- Pregnancy Birth and Baby: Mastitis
- Healthdirect: Mastitis
- Australian Breastfeeding Association: Mastitis
- Australian Breastfeeding Association: Localised breast inflammation
- Royal Women's Hospital: Mastitis
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network: Mastitis and breastfeeding factsheet
This guide is general information only and should not replace personalised medical advice. Seek medical advice promptly if you have breast pain, redness, swelling, flu-like symptoms, worsening symptoms, symptoms that do not improve, or concerns about mastitis while breastfeeding.
