Can a mother with mastitis and kidney stones safely breastfeed if her baby has diarrhea?

Breastfeeding Safety with Mastitis, Kidney Stones, and Infant Diarrhea

A mother with mastitis and kidney stones can safely continue breastfeeding even if her baby has diarrhea, as continued breastfeeding is recommended during mastitis and provides protection against diarrheal disease in infants. 1, 2

Mastitis and Breastfeeding

• Continued breastfeeding is strongly recommended during mastitis, as regular feeding or expression of milk is an important part of treatment 2, 3
• The American Academy of Pediatrics supports continued breastfeeding during mastitis, including cases involving MRSA 2
• Frequent, complete emptying of the breast helps reduce the risk of mastitis and prevents complications such as breast abscess 3, 4
• Breastfeeding can continue even if a breast abscess develops, as long as the infant's mouth does not directly contact purulent drainage 2, 5

Kidney Stones and Breastfeeding

• There are no contraindications to breastfeeding for mothers with kidney stones 1
• The only absolute contraindications to breastfeeding are classic galactosemia in the infant, maternal HIV infection, human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I or II infection, untreated brucellosis, or suspected/confirmed Ebola virus disease 1
• Most maternal infections and conditions are compatible with breastfeeding 1

Infant Diarrhea and Breastfeeding

• Breastfeeding actually provides protection against acute diarrheal disease in infants 1
• Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is associated with a 30% lower risk of severe or persistent diarrhea compared to exclusive breastfeeding for less than 4 months 1
• Breast milk provides antibodies and protection against infections, making it particularly beneficial during episodes of infant illness 1
• Continued breastfeeding during infant diarrhea helps maintain hydration and provides essential nutrients 6

Management Recommendations

• Continue breastfeeding despite mastitis, kidney stones, and infant diarrhea 1, 2

• For mastitis:

  • Ensure proper breastfeeding technique, possibly with assistance from a lactation consultant 3
  • Use appropriate antibiotics if needed (those effective against Staphylococcus aureus such as dicloxacillin or cephalexin) 3
  • Apply warm compresses before feeding to facilitate milk flow 4
  • Ensure complete emptying of the affected breast 3, 4

• For the infant with diarrhea:

  • Continue breastfeeding as it provides protection against diarrheal disease 1
  • Monitor hydration status of the infant 6
  • Seek medical attention if diarrhea is severe or persistent, or if the infant shows signs of dehydration 6

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Discontinuing breastfeeding during mastitis can actually worsen the condition by causing milk stasis 3, 4
• Assuming that maternal conditions like kidney stones or mastitis will harm the infant through breast milk 1
• Believing that breastfeeding should be stopped during infant diarrhea, when it actually provides protection and helps maintain hydration 1, 6
• Delaying antibiotic treatment for mastitis, which can lead to complications such as breast abscess 3, 7

By continuing to breastfeed while receiving appropriate treatment for mastitis and kidney stones, the mother provides optimal nutrition and immune protection to her infant, which is particularly beneficial during episodes of diarrhea 1, 6.