Breastfeeding – Breast Infection or Mastitis

My breasts feel very hot and tender suddenly. Should I be worried?

One of the reasons it is important to rest and eat well when breast feeding is, in addition to producing enough milk, to keep your immune system strong. It is possible to have an infection or a blockage in a milk duct. It is important to keep feeding to help clear up the situation. If your breasts are not empty after a feed, consider expressing any remaining milk until the situation improves. For a blocked duct, emptying of the breast and perhaps a warm compress should suffice in solving the problem. If it persists do call your doctor or breastfeeding councellor.

However if you are experiencing fever and redness of the breast, you should contact your doctor immediately and will need medication and bed rest to overcome the infection. It is vital to act promptly to prevent an abscess from forming. An abscess is a serious condition which may require surgery.

See also:
Breastfeeding – After Caesarean
Breastfeeding – Alcohol to boost milk
Breastfeeding – Basic info
Breastfeeding – Breast infection continuing feeding
Breastfeeding – Difficulty
Breastfeeding – Effect of exercise
Breastfeeding – Effect of laughter
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Discomfort
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Pain Relief
Breastfeeding – Engorgement Reason
Breastfeeding – Fear
Breastfeeding – Feeding positions
Breastfeeding – Feeding when ill
Breastfeeding – Frequent feeding
Breastfeeding – Importance
Breastfeeding – Increasing Milk
Breastfeeding – In the beginnning
Breastfeeding – Jaundice
Breastfeeding – Latching
Breastfeeding – Leaking Milk
Breastfeeding – Let-down Reflex
Breastfeeding – Medication
Breastfeeding – Milk Consistency
Breastfeeding – Milk Release
Breastfeeding – Milk Starting
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Sickness
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Stress
Breastfeeding – Mother’s Thirst
Breastfeeding – Nipples Healing
Breastfeeding – Nipples Painful
Breastfeeding – Nipples Washing
Breastfeeding – Overdue Baby
Breastfeeding – Reasons Not To
Breastfeeding – Restless Baby
Breastfeeding – Second Baby
Breastfeeding – Shape Of Breasts
Breastfeeding – Simplicity
Breastfeeding – Sleepy Baby
Breastfeeding – Some Advantages
Breastfeeding – Watery Breastmilk
Breastfeeding – Weight Loss
Breastfeeding – When To Wean
Breastfeeding – World breast feeding day