Preventing Mastitis

Reference Mastitis Opens New Window usually happens in nursing mothers when bacteria enter the breast through a cracked or sore nipple. This can cause an infection. Mastitis usually starts as a painful area in one breast. It may be red or warm to the touch, or both. Fever, chills, and body aches usually occur too.

Good breast-feeding techniques can help prevent sore and cracked nipples that may lead to mastitis.

• Breast-feed regularly. Do not delay or skip feedings. Breast-feed at least every 1 to 3 hours or whenever your baby is hungry (feeding on demand). This helps keep the milk ducts empty. In the first few days after birth, you may have to wake your baby every 2 to 3 hours to breast-feed.
• If you know you have to wait more than 4 hours to breast-feed your baby, arrange a time and place to pump or express your breast milk. See a picture of Reference pumping or expressing breast milk Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
• Align your baby straight for breast-feeding. This means putting your baby's chest to your chest. The baby should latch on to the Reference areola Opens New Window, past the nipple. Latching on incorrectly, such as only getting the nipple into the baby's mouth, may cause problems. Your nipples may crack or become sore. Also your baby may not empty the breast well. Massage the areola if your nipples are flat, and gently push the nipple outward with your thumb and forefinger. View a slideshow on Reference latching Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window to learn how to get your baby to latch on.
• Alternate which breast you offer first at each feeding.
• Use different breast-feeding positions to drain all areas of your breast. See pictures of different breast-feeding positions, including the Reference Australian hold Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, Reference cradle hold Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, Reference cross-cradle hold Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, Reference football hold Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window, and Reference side-lying position Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window.
• If you start to have sore or cracked nipples, get help from your doctor or a Reference lactation consultant Opens New Window.

Other tips to help prevent mastitis include the following:

• Air-dry your nipples after each breast-feeding session, to prevent irritation and cracking.
• Consider using a lanolin-based cream, such as Lansinoh, to keep your nipples healthy. This cream may also be used to ease pain in sore or cracked nipples. Lansinoh does not require a prescription and may be purchased over-the-counter.
• Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of fluids, whenever you are thirsty. Having something to drink while you are breast-feeding helps you get enough fluids.
• Get plenty of rest. Ask for help with daily tasks from friends and family members whenever possible.
• Make sure that your bra fits well and isn't tight and restrictive. This is especially important if you become Reference engorged Opens New Window.
• When you are ready to Reference wean Opens New Window your baby, stop breast-feeding gradually. Gradual weaning is best for both of you. It helps prevent your breasts from becoming too full of milk and gives your baby time to adjust to new eating patterns. For more information, see the topic Weaning.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.