Many women who experience uncommon breast pain immediately think of breast cancer. Dr. Kirtly Jones says it’s probably something else. She explains what can cause breast pain in women of different ages and the most important thing to do if one or more of your breasts feels tender."> Engorgement and mastitis are complications associated with breast feeding. Mastitis associated with breast feeding is also called lactational mastitis. Show
Breast feeding, like parenting, is not always uncomplicated, especially in the first few weeks after birth. It can be easy to forget at this time that, like all new skills, breast feeding can take a while to learn and become really good at. Not all women experience true engorgement or mastitis; however, if you do it may really test your commitment to breast feeding. At times you may feel that it is not worth it, and that breast feeding is just not for you. It is strongly advised if you are experiencing difficulties with breast feeding, such as engorgement or mastitis, that you seek the advice of a midwife, lactation consultant, community child health nurse, the Australian Breastfeeding Association or your doctor. EngorgementBreast engorgement happens when there is a build-up of milk and fluid in the breasts. The blood vessels in the breasts also become congested (too full). Engorgement symptomsWhen your breast(s) are engorged, they become:
Engorgement can result in your nipples not protruding as much as usual, and your baby may not be able to latch on properly. Causes of engorgementBreast engorgement can happen if:
Engorgement tends to happen more often in the weeks just after your baby is born, when a breastfeeding routine is still being established. Treatment for engorgementEngorgement can be treated with self-care measures and pain relievers if needed. A lactation consultant, midwife or your doctor can give advice on how to manage engorgement.
Remember, there is no greater relief for engorged breasts than an enthusiastically feeding baby. MastitisMastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue, particularly the milk ducts and glands, in a breast feeding woman. In the 6 months after giving birth, mastitis affects about 20 per cent of breast feeding women in Australia. Mastitis is most common in the first 6 to 8 weeks after giving birth to your baby. It also sometimes happens when you decide to stop breast feeding (wean your baby). Symptoms of mastitisMastitis symptoms (which often come on suddenly) can include:
Causes of mastitisMastitis can be caused by blocked milk ducts when the breasts are too full and the milk is not draining properly. A blocked milk duct can cause the development of a tender breast lump. Mastitis can also be due to a cracked nipple. Bacteria may get into the breast tissue, causing infection in the blocked milk ducts. Factors that can contribute to the development of mastitis include:
Treatment for mastitisTreatment for mastitis involves antibiotic treatment plus breast feeding advice to help effectively drain the breast, as well as self-care measures.
Women with mastitis need plenty of support plus advice on breast feeding. Breast feeding tips can help resolve breast feeding problems and help recovery from mastitis. For women who decide to stop breast feeding, it is recommended that you wean your baby gradually after the mastitis has settled. Stopping breast feeding suddenly can make the symptoms worse and may increase the risk of developing complications, such as a breast abscess. Recovery from mastitisMost women with mastitis feel better after 2 to 3 days of treatment. If you continue to have symptoms after 48 hours of treatment, you should see your doctor. You should also seek medical help if you develop a tender breast lump that is not relieved by breast feeding. Support for breast feeding womenMany women who develop engorgement and mastitis are already feeling tired and run-down after the birth of their baby. Developing mastitis can trigger strong emotions, and depression and anxiety have also been associated with episodes of mastitis. Support is available from your doctor, midwife, lactation consultant or community nurse. The Australian Breastfeeding Association can also provide support. They have a National Breastfeeding Helpline (1800 686 268) that is available 7 days a week and also provide an email counselling service. Why does my left breast hurt breastfeeding?A plugged milk duct.
Sometimes milk ducts get plugged. You may feel pain in an area of your breast or a lump may form under the skin where the duct is plugged. To help unclog the duct and ease pain: Take warm showers or use warm compresses on the area.
When should I be concerned about breast pain during breastfeeding?If one of your breasts is tender, warm, and hard, with a painful lump (as with blocked milk ducts), possibly with red streaks or patches, you might have mastitis. Many breastfeeding parents with mastitis feel like they have the flu.
How do you know if you have a clogged milk duct?Symptoms of a clogged milk duct. a lump in one area of your breast.. engorgement around the lump.. pain or swelling near the lump.. discomfort that subsides after feeding/pumping.. pain during letdown.. milk plug/blister (bleb) at the opening of your nipple.. movement of the lump over time.. What does the beginning of mastitis feel like?Check if you have mastitis
a swollen area on your breast that may feel hot and painful to touch – the area may become red but this can be harder to see if you have darker skin. a wedge-shaped breast lump or a hard area on your breast. a burning pain in your breast that might be constant or only when you breastfeed.
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