Glossary

Term · Postpartum: Your Body

bacterial mastitis

Also: infectious mastitis, breast infection after birth

A bacterial infection of breast tissue after birth, often with fever and a red, hot, tender area. It sits at one end of a spectrum of breast inflammation.

In plain words

Bacterial mastitis is an infection in the breast tissue. It most often shows up in the first months of breastfeeding. A mother may notice a red, hot, hard, tender patch, fever or chills, and feeling unwell, like a bad flu. Many mothers first notice a , which can turn into if the milk does not clear. Infection is one part of the picture. Milk that stays in the breast, skin damage at the nipple, and bacteria from the baby's mouth can all play a role. A clinician usually diagnoses it from symptoms and an exam. Some cases clear with continued feeding and rest, and others need antibiotics. Mastitis is not the same as a . Some breast abscesses form when an infection is not treated.

The deeper version

Bacterial mastitis is the infective stage of lactational . It is distinguished from ductal narrowing, which is noninfectious, by fever, systemic symptoms, and localized erythema and induration. is the organism most often reported in cultured milk, although many cultures are negative and some isolates may be colonizers. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's clinical protocol on the (Clinical Protocol #36, 2022) describes ductal narrowing, inflammatory mastitis, bacterial mastitis, , and abscess, with and as related states. Management centers on continued breastfeeding or milk removal on demand, without aggressive pumping, with antimicrobial choice guided by presentation and lactation compatibility. Debate continues over the value of routine milk culture and over antibiotic duration. Some clinicians question whether every case needs antibiotics.

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Sources

  • Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine — Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, 2022
  • Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM — Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession, 8th edition, 2016

The Mothership Topic Wiki is general information for mothers and the people who care for them. It is not medical, legal, or mental-health advice and does not create a provider relationship. Experiences posted by members are their own. In an emergency call 911. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.