Can I breastfeed if I have mastitis?

Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue and is more commonly seen in lactating women. Whether breastfeeding can continue during mastitis depends on the specific circumstances:

1. In the early stages of mastitis, if there are no severe symptoms such as abscess formation or high fever, and antibiotic treatment has not been initiated, breastfeeding can usually continue. At this stage, the inflammation is mainly localized and the quality of breast milk is generally unaffected, so it will not cause adverse effects on the infant. Breastfeeding can help promote milk drainage and relieve breast swelling and pain.

2. If the symptoms of mastitis continue to worsen, with complications such as abscess formation or high fever, or if antibiotic treatment is being administered, breastfeeding may need to be temporarily discontinued. This is because the breast milk might contain bacteria or medication, which could potentially have adverse effects on the infant.

For example, if the breast exhibits obvious redness, swelling, heat, and pain, breastfeeding from the affected side may intensify the mother's discomfort. In such cases, feeding from the affected side can be temporarily avoided, while manually expressing or using a breast pump to empty the affected breast can help alleviate symptoms.

If symptoms of mastitis occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for professional diagnosis and treatment to ensure the health of both mother and baby.