What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammatory condition of the breast that commonly occurs during breastfeeding. It can develop when milk is not effectively removed from the breast, leading to inflammation, swelling, and sometimes infection. Mastitis often causes discomfort and can make feeding challenging, but with the right support and treatment, most parents recover quickly and continue their breastfeeding journey successfully.

Signs you may have mastitis

Common signs and symptoms of mastitis include:

• A painful, tender, or swollen area of the breast
• Redness or warmth on the skin
• A firm lump or area of breast fullness
• Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, or chills
• Fever
• Increased pain during breastfeeding or pumping
• Feeling generally unwell



If symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by a high fever, it's important to seek medical care promptly.

Can you keep breastfeeding with mastitis?

Yes. In most cases, continuing to breastfeed or express milk is recommended when you have mastitis. Regular milk removal can help reduce inflammation, relieve discomfort, and support recovery. Mastitis is generally not harmful to your baby, and breastfeeding can continue safely. If feeding is painful or symptoms worsen, working with a lactation professional can help ensure effective treatment and support.

How Healing Lactation helps with mastitis?

At Healing Lactation, we provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help families manage mastitis and return to comfortable feeding. Our lactation consultants assess feeding patterns, milk transfer, breast health, and contributing factors that may be causing inflammation. We create individualized care plans that may include improving latch and positioning, optimizing milk removal, preventing recurrent episodes, and supporting overall breastfeeding goals. Through expert guidance and ongoing support, we help parents find relief, protect their milk supply, and continue breastfeeding with confidence.