Non-infectious mastitis
Most cases of non-infectious mastitis can be treated with a number of self-care techniques. These are outlined below.
- Make sure that you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids.
- The over-the-counter painkiller paracetamol can help reduce symptoms of fever and pain; though a small amount of paracetamol can enter the breast milk, it is too low a dose to harm your baby. (Aspirin is not safe to take while breastfeeding).
- Try feeding your baby more often, or express between feeds if your breasts still feel full.
- Feed from the affected breast first in order to drain it as much as possible.
- Gently express after finishing a feed, so your breasts can be fully drained.
- Make sure that your baby is properly positioned and attached to your breasts - your midwife or health visitor should be able to advise you.
- You may want to experiment with feeding your baby in different positions to see if this makes feeding more effective and efficient.
- Warming your breast with some warm water can help soften the breast making it easier for your baby to feed.
- Stroking a wide tooth comb over the red area towards the nipple can help the milk flow.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or a bra until your symptoms improve.
If symptoms still do not improve, or worsen, despite trying these techniques then you should return to your GP for additional advice or treatment.
Infectious mastitis
Infectious mastitis will need to be treated using a combination of the techniques outline above and antibiotic tablets (oral antibiotics).
Antibiotics can enter the breast milk and make your baby irritable and restless. They may also begin producing runny stools. These effects are only temporary, will resolve once you finish your dose, and will pose no risk to your baby.
Obviously, if you are not breastfeeding then you will only need to take the antibiotics.
