This is a painful inflammation of the breast that can result in a temperature, a red sore patch on your breast, and flu-like symptoms. It often happens when engorgement or a blocked duct is left untreated. It could also be the result of poor positioning, or it may be an infection resulting from bacteria entering the nipple openings.

Remedies

• Continue to feed your baby, because by stopping, you may make it worse
• Go to bed and rest
• Get the baby’s positioning checked
• Offer frequent feeds to the baby, sore side first
• Use warmth and massage before a feed, and cold compresses afterwards to reduce swelling
• See your GP for antibiotics in case it is an infection. Self-help remedies may clear it up, but it is prudent to visit the doctor and have a prescription for antibiotics ready in case it doesn’t improve quickly

More breastfeeding problems and remedies:

Biting baby Biting baby Blocked duct Breast refusal Engorgement Favoured breast Inverted nipples Mastitis Sleepy baby Sore or cracked nipples Thrush

Where to next?

• Return to main menu
• Breastfeeding: the early days
• Breastfeeding checklist
• Expressing and storing breast milk
• Breastfeeding and working
• Breastfeeding twins
• Nursing beyond the first year