From the Guidelines
I strongly recommend that you continue breastfeeding and expressing milk from the affected breast, as frequent milk removal is crucial in resolving the clogged duct and mastitis, while also taking your prescribed antibiotics. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, mothers with mastitis are encouraged to continue breastfeeding, and regular feeding or expression of milk is an adjunct to other treatment 1. It's essential to continue your antibiotics as prescribed for mastitis, and in addition to this, focus on clearing the clogged duct through:
- Frequent nursing or pumping every 2-3 hours
- Applying warm compresses before feeding
- Gentle massage toward the nipple during feeds
- Trying different nursing positions, especially those where the baby's chin points toward the clog You can also take ibuprofen (400-600mg every 6-8 hours with food) for pain and inflammation, as recommended for mastitis treatment. Staying hydrated and resting as much as possible will also help your body recover from the infection. If symptoms worsen despite antibiotics, or if you develop fever over 101°F, severe pain, or redness spreading beyond the breast, contact your healthcare provider immediately as you may need different antibiotics or drainage. Clogged ducts often take several days to resolve even with antibiotics, but persistent clogs can lead to complications like abscess formation. It's also important to note that breastfeeding has numerous benefits for both the mother and the infant, including reducing the risk of various diseases and conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer, as shown in the studies 1. Therefore, continuing to breastfeed and express milk from the affected breast is not only essential for resolving the clogged duct and mastitis but also for maintaining the overall health and well-being of both you and your baby.
From the Research
Clogged Duct and Mastitis Management
- The management of mastitis in breastfeeding women typically involves frequent, complete emptying of the breast and optimizing breastfeeding technique 2.
- Antibiotics effective against Staphylococcus aureus, such as dicloxacillin or cephalexin, are often prescribed when antibiotics are needed 2, 3.
- Continued breastfeeding is usually encouraged in the presence of mastitis and does not pose a risk to the infant 2, 3, 4.
Breast Abscess Prevention and Treatment
- Breast abscesses can be prevented by early treatment of mastitis and continued breastfeeding 2, 5.
- Treatment of breast abscesses can involve repeated needle aspirations and suction drainage, or incision and drainage in some cases 5, 6.
- Antibiotics, such as penicillin, cephalosporins, and erythromycin, are considered safe for use during breastfeeding 5.
Ongoing Care and Support
- Effective milk removal is essential for the treatment of mastitis and may make antibiotics superfluous 3.
- Women with mastitis can usually continue to breastfeed from the affected breast during treatment 2, 3, 4.
- Symptomatic treatment, assessment of the infant's attachment to the breast, and reassurance, emotional support, education, and support for ongoing breastfeeding are also important aspects of care 4.