Can insufficient breast milk also cause mastitis?
Oct 08, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
Insufficient breast milk can indeed trigger mastitis. Inadequate milk production increases pressure within the mammary ducts, leading to the release of inflammatory factors and subsequent local immune responses, thereby raising the risk of mastitis. If accompanied by symptoms such as milk stasis, bacterial growth and proliferation may be accelerated, especially when there is nipple damage, making bacterial infection more likely and increasing the likelihood of developing mastitis.
Generally, insufficient milk supply may lead to mastitis; however, if there is low milk production without milk stasis, mastitis usually does not occur. If patients have concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Insufficient milk supply can increase pressure within the mammary ducts, triggering the production of inflammatory factors and provoking a local immune response, thereby increasing the risk of developing mastitis. If this condition is accompanied by symptoms such as milk stasis, it may accelerate bacterial growth and proliferation. Especially when there is nipple damage, bacterial infection can easily occur, leading to mastitis.
If milk supply is low but the milk can be effectively drained without any stasis, mastitis generally will not develop. Additionally, if a nursing mother promptly uses a breast pump to remove residual milk, mastitis is unlikely to occur.
Lactating women are advised to regularly empty their breasts, maintain proper breast hygiene, ensure correct breastfeeding positions, and prevent nipple injuries.
