the dos and don’ts of mastitis

If you’re breastfeeding and notice a sore, swollen, or red area on your breast — especially if you’re feeling run down or running a fever — mastitis might be the culprit. It’s a common issue for nursing moms, but that doesn’t make it any less stressful or painful.

The good news? With the right care, mastitis often clears up quickly. Here’s a simple, evidence-based guide to what helps (and what doesn’t) — because your comfort and well-being matter just as much as your baby’s.

what to do if you think you have mastitis

1. Apply ice after each feeding.
Cold helps reduce inflammation and provides some much-needed relief. Aim for 10 minutes of ice on the affected area after every feeding or pumping session.

2. Keep breastfeeding or pumping — just as usual.
It’s important to continue emptying the breast, but don’t overdo it. Stick to your normal feeding or pumping routine. Nursing or pumping more frequently than usual can actually make inflammation worse.

3. Take ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen is safe to take while breastfeeding and can help reduce both pain and inflammation. Always follow the dosing instructions on the label or from your healthcare provider.

4. Use gentle, firm pressure — not deep massage.
A little pressure during or after a feeding can help relieve blockages, but avoid deep tissue massage, which can irritate the area further.

5. Consider sunflower lecithin.
This supplement may help prevent and treat clogged ducts by making breast milk flow more smoothly. The recommended dose during an active clog or mastitis flare is 1,200 mg, four times daily.

what not to do

1. Don’t apply heat.
It’s tempting to use a warm compress or stand under a hot shower, but heat can actually make inflammation worse. Stick with cool compresses instead.

2. Don’t massage the area deeply.
While massage is often helpful for clogged ducts, it can make mastitis more painful and inflamed. Gentle pressure is okay — deep massage is not.

3. Don’t pump or nurse more often than usual.
Overstimulating the breast can increase inflammation. Maintain your regular feeding or pumping schedule to avoid worsening the issue.

when to call your provider

If your symptoms aren’t improving within 24 hours — or if you develop a fever over 100.4°F — reach out to your healthcare provider. Mastitis can sometimes require a short course of antibiotics to prevent a more serious infection. The sooner it’s treated, the faster you’ll feel better.

You’re doing an incredible job, even when things get hard. Mastitis can be painful and discouraging, but it is treatable — and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Take care of yourself, rest when you can, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

Looking for more breastfeeding support? Check out our Lactation Guide, created exclusively with our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), for expert tips and gentle encouragement every step of the way.

For more tips, explore our other blogs or follow us on Instagram at @choosejoynursing.