Mastitis - Symptoms and causes

Mastitis occurs when one or more milk ducts in the breast become blocked, preventing milk from flowing normally. This can result in painful lumps or nodules in the breast.

Ingela Ågren

Read time: 1 m

Verified by Ingela Ågren

Certified Midwife

Mastitis - Symptoms and causesPhoto: Preggers

Mastitis usually occurs suddenly and often only in one breast. The most common symptoms of mastitis are:

  • A hardened area or lump under the skin
  • Pain, warmth, and tenderness over the affected area
  • Fever, sometimes with chills
  • A general feeling of illness with muscle aches and headache
  • Pain during breastfeeding

Mastitis can occur for various reasons, including:

  • Inadequate latch during breastfeeding, where the baby does not get a good grip on the breast.
  • Irregular breastfeeding, with longer intervals between feedings than previously.
  • Pain during breastfeeding inhibits the letdown reflex that makes the milk flow.
  • Use of breastfeeding aids such as nipple shields or breast pumps that do not function optimally.
  • Ill-fitting bras that are too tight.

Complications and sequelae

If mastitis is not treated correctly or if there are sores and cracks on the nipple, it can lead to a breast infection or abscess. Infections and abscesses require medical treatment.

Mastitis? Alleviate the Symptoms
Ingela Ågren

Verified by Ingela Ågren

Certified Midwife

Phone

Hundreds of related articles, podcasts & more waiting for you in the Preggers app.

Download Preggers today.

10k reviews

More from Preggers

Read popular and relevant articles.
Breastfeeding the very first time

Breastfeeding the very first time

Straight after birth, the newborn baby tends to be awake and alert for about two hours, which is when the baby breastfeeds for the first time.

The first days of breastfeeding

The first days of breastfeeding

The breastfeeding pattern differs from child to child. Some babies sleep almost the entire first day after birth, while others want to feed straight away and often. Although your priority is not on yourself, make sure to sleep when the opportunity presents itself, eat well, and ensure that you get enough fluids.

How does labour pain feel like?

How does labour pain feel like?

How painful is it actually to give birth? It’s difficult to describe labour pain. On one hand, it’s big and powerful, on the other hand, it’s functional, motivating – and passing.

When is it Time to Head to the Delivery Room?

When is it Time to Head to the Delivery Room?

Determining when to head to the delivery room when you're expecting can be challenging. You can always contact the delivery room for guidance and support once labor has begun.

Pregnancy myths

Pregnancy myths

There are many classic myths about expecting and giving birth to a child. Have you heard any of them?

Pregnancy Week by Week

Pregnancy Week by Week

During the early weeks of pregnancy, it's like carrying a secret in your belly. It's not visible on the outside, but there's a flurry of activity happening inside your body. What are the early signs of pregnancy? How do you perform a pregnancy test? And what happens to the fetus week by week?