This page provides information about changes to the ‘Mastitis and block ducts’ section within the ‘How Breastfeeding Works’ booklets. These booklets are written in both Easy English as well as a number of other languages including Hindi, Vietnamese, Chinese and Arabic.
The information about mastitis and blocked ducts has changed. The things to do for ‘blocked ducts’ in your copy of How Breastfeeding Works is now different.
If you have a sore, lumpy or red breast, follow the things to do in the information about mastitis on this page.
Mastitis
You might have mastitis when you notice a large area of your breast is red, sore and hard. It may feel swollen, hot and painful. Your breast skin may be shiny, with red streaks. Sometimes you can get an infection. You may get a high temperature or feel like you have the ‘flu’.
It’s important to get help for mastitis early. Mastitis can make you very sick.
Things to do:
- Continue to breastfeed as often as your baby needs. Your breastmilk is safe for your baby.
- Use both breasts to keep the milk moving.
- Get help if your nipples are sore or damaged.
- Help the milk to flow. Hold your baby skin-to-skin for feeds
- Treat the pain and swelling. Use a cool pack on the sore breast between feeds.
- Go to bed and rest if you can.
- Don’t give the baby anything but breastmilk unless you are told by a doctor, midwife or nurse. You don’t need to express milk if your baby is feeding well.
- Massage of the breast is usually not helpful.
- Ask your doctor about medicine that may help.
How can I prevent mastitis?
- Make sure your baby is feeding well. Get help early if you have any problems.
- Take your time when breastfeeding.
- Don’t let your breasts become too full. It is ok to wake your baby to feed.
- Don’t wear tight bras or clothes. Try not to sleep on your stomach.
- Look after your health. Get plenty of rest and eat and drink well.
Remember:
If you have tried these things and don’t feel better, please see your doctor straight away.
Contact your child health and family health nurse or Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) counsellor for more help.