Breast becomes red, swollen, painful (If infected, fever and malaise often present)
Occurs in 2-10% of breastfeeding women, usually within 3 months of initiation
Result of prolonged engorgement or poor drainage
Organisms grow in the stagnant milk, resulting in infectious mastitis; infection can progress to local abscess formation if not treated
Frequent, complete emptying of the breast and optimal breastfeeding technique can reduce the risk
Guidelines