Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can sometimes involve an infection. Many individuals wonder about the risk of developing it when they stop breastfeeding. This article explains what mastitis is and how reducing or stopping breastfeeding can influence its development.
Understanding Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of the breast tissue, presenting with symptoms like breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. Flu-like symptoms, including fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, chills, and general body aches, may also occur. These symptoms can appear suddenly and typically affect one breast.
Mastitis often results from a clogged milk duct, leading to milk stasis, where milk becomes stagnant. When milk is not effectively removed, bacteria can enter the breast tissue through the nipple opening or small cracks. This bacterial presence can lead to infection and inflammation.
How Weaning Can Lead to Mastitis
Weaning, or stopping breastfeeding, increases mastitis risk because the body continues to produce milk as feeding decreases. When milk is not removed regularly, it accumulates in the milk ducts, leading to engorgement and milk stasis. This buildup creates pressure within the breast, fostering inflammation.
Stagnant milk provides a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause infection. Abruptly stopping breastfeeding poses a higher risk because the sudden lack of milk removal leads to rapid milk accumulation, making breasts overly full and susceptible to clogged ducts and infection.
Preventive Measures During Weaning
Minimizing the risk of mastitis during weaning involves a gradual approach to reducing milk production. Slowly decreasing the number of feeding sessions over several days or weeks allows the breasts to adjust to the reduced demand without becoming overly engorged. Dropping one feeding session every few days can help manage milk supply.
If breasts become uncomfortably full or engorged, hand expressing or pumping a small amount of milk can provide relief. The goal is to alleviate discomfort without fully emptying the breast, as complete emptying stimulates further milk production. Applying cold compresses to the breasts after feeding or expressing can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Wearing a supportive, non-constricting bra can also offer comfort without impeding milk flow. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage any pain or inflammation.
What to Do if Mastitis Occurs
If symptoms of mastitis develop, continued milk removal from the affected breast is advised, either through breastfeeding or pumping. This helps clear any clogs and promotes better milk flow. Applying warm compresses to the breast just before feeding or pumping can help facilitate milk release.
Rest, adequate fluid intake, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms like pain and fever. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve within 12 to 24 hours of home care, if a persistent fever develops, if symptoms worsen rapidly, or if red streaking appears on the breast. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present, and it is safe to continue breastfeeding while taking these medications.