Mastitis is breast inflammation that may or may not involve a bacterial infection. This condition is often caused by milk stasis, or milk not being removed effectively, and brings sudden discomfort and flu-like symptoms. A temporary drop in milk supply, particularly in the affected breast, is a frequent side effect of this inflammation.
Why Mastitis Causes a Supply Decrease
The decrease in milk volume is a direct physiological response to the inflammation within the breast tissue. When mastitis occurs, the breast swells, and the tissue becomes inflamed and engorged with fluid and immune cells. This swelling physically compresses the delicate milk ducts, making it harder for the milk to flow freely to the nipple, leading to poor milk drainage.
The body’s immune system also contributes to this temporary reduction. The infection triggers an immune response, altering the milk composition and temporarily inhibiting the milk-making cells (lactocytes). Furthermore, the pain and discomfort associated with mastitis can interfere with the let-down reflex. Stress hormones like cortisol inhibit the release of oxytocin, the hormone that signals milk ejection, leading to less efficient milk removal and decreased production.
Typical Timeline for Supply Restoration
The reduction in milk production is usually temporary, and recovery often begins quickly once treatment is initiated. Many individuals feel a general improvement in systemic symptoms, such as fever and body aches, within 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment. This initial relief of inflammation is the first step toward restoring milk flow.
The affected breast may show improved output shortly after systemic symptoms subside. Full restoration of milk supply typically takes between 5 to 10 days, or sometimes up to two weeks, depending on the severity and duration of the mastitis. Consistency in completely emptying the breast during this time is the most important factor in signaling demand to the body.
The unaffected breast often maintains or slightly increases its supply more quickly than the affected side. The affected side may lag slightly because the milk-producing cells need time to recover from inflammatory damage and temporary suppression of milk synthesis. Even if the output is significantly lower for a period, continued frequent and gentle milk removal drives the supply back up. Most parents successfully recover their full supply, though some may need specific techniques to encourage a complete rebound.
Practical Steps to Boost Milk Production
The most effective strategy for rebuilding supply is frequent and thorough milk removal, which communicates demand to the body. This means nursing or pumping on the affected side at least as often as before, ideally every two to three hours to ensure the breast is drained. Starting the feeding session on the affected breast allows the baby’s strongest suckling to work on the side needing the most stimulation and drainage.
Using gentle massage before or during a feeding or pumping session can help encourage milk flow from compressed ducts. Massage should be light, stroking toward the nipple, rather than deep or aggressive, to avoid increasing inflammation. Applying a warm compress just before milk removal can also help the ducts widen and the milk flow more easily.
Maintaining hydration and nutrition is an important supportive measure for milk production. Lactating parents need sufficient fluids and calories, as dehydration, especially with fever, can further depress milk supply. After a feeding or pumping session, applying a cool compress to the affected breast helps reduce lingering inflammation and discomfort.
Warning Signs and When to Seek Help
While most cases of supply reduction resolve naturally with treatment and frequent milk removal, specific signs warrant immediate professional attention. Contact a healthcare provider if a fever returns or if symptoms worsen after the first 24 to 48 hours of starting treatment. Lack of improvement in pain and redness after 48 to 72 hours of treatment may indicate the need for a different antibiotic or treatment approach. The development of a hard, fixed, and non-improving lump in the breast, especially with increasing pain, could signal a breast abscess requiring drainage. If milk supply does not improve after a week of consistent removal, consulting with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help assess feeding mechanics and restore production.