Tips & Tricks to Relieve Mastitis Pain, Prevent Flare-Ups, and Differentiate Between Inflammatory vs Infectious Mastitis

Tips & Tricks to Relieve Mastitis Pain, Prevent Flare-Ups, and Differentiate Between Inflammatory vs Infectious Mastitis

Mastitis doesn’t have to derail your breastfeeding journey. Below is a quick summary for busy mums, followed by a full guide on how to identify, soothe, and prevent mastitis—including when to seek medical care.

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Quick summary of the most important takeaways from the research. You’re busy, so here’s what you need to know in just a few seconds.

Mastitis can be inflammatory (from milk stasis) or infectious (caused by bacteria).
Cold compresses, rest, hydration, and gentle expression help ease inflammatory mastitis.
Red streaks, fever, or flu symptoms could signal infection—see your GP IMMEDIATELY as infection speeds up significantly.
Prevent flare-ups by feeding frequently, avoiding tight bras, and treating nipple cracks.
Supportive care includes probiotics, lethicin, massage away from nipples and NSAID (Non steroidal anti inflammatory).
Don't tough it out—mums deserve care too.

1. Understanding Mastitis: What It Is & Types

Mastitis is breast tissue inflammation, common in breastfeeding, marked by redness, pain, swelling, and sometimes flu-like symptoms.

Inflammatory: Caused by milk stasis—when milk isn’t removed efficiently. Symptoms: redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness.

Infectious: Typically follows untreated inflammation. Caused by bacteria entering via nipple cracks; often involves fever, chills, body aches, possibly red streaks.

2. Quick Relief for Inflammatory Mastitis

  • Feed or express regularly. Prioritize the affected side first.
  • Use gentle breast movement before feeding to encourage drainage.
  • Apply cold compresses or cabbage leaves to reduce swelling. (avoid the nipple with the cabbage leaf)
  • NSAIDs (Ibuprofen): Reduces inflammation and pain; helpful for both discomfort and duct inflammation (Non steroidal anti inflammatory)
  • Gentle Lymphatic Massage & Hand Expression: Light “petting” strokes toward your collarbone/armpit help move fluid. Use gentle expression only—no deep massage

3. Natural Supporting Strategies

  • Lactation massage to calm clogged ducts.
  • Hydration, rest, and a balanced diet to support immune recovery.
  • Ginger root tea or tumeric in milk & lecithin supplements to reduce inflammation and clogs. If you are game you can also try eating 2 raw garlic cloves.
  • AVOID: Aggressive massage, warm compresses, “soaking” the breast, and unnecessary pumping as may increase supply .

4. When It’s Infectious: Red Flags

  • Fever or chills unresponsive to rest/medication
  • Red streaking or spreading heat on the breast
  • Severe pain, nausea, flu-like symptoms

WHAT TO DO: See your GP or Midwife IMMEDIATELY. Antibiotics may be prescribed. Persistent symptoms may require imaging or drainage.

5. Preventing Flare-Ups

  • Feed efficiently and frequently—avoid engorgement.
  • Alternate breasts, avoid tight bras or pressure points.
  • Treat nipple damage quickly and gently. 
  • Prioritize rest and stress reduction.

NIPPLE DAMAGE GUIDE: Express milk onto nipple and let dry 5–10 min, then apply lanolin, clean nipple of any cream prior to breastfeeding again.

6. When Support Makes a Difference

If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, seek help from a lactation consultant (IBCLC), your GP, or call the ABA helpline (Australia: 1800 686 268).

Final Thoughts

Understanding mastitis empowers you to act quickly and compassionately. You're not alone—and you deserve support just as much as your baby does.

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Citation & Sources

All information in this article is based on trusted, evidence-informed resources focused on maternal health, lactation, and mastitis care. Here are the sources referenced in writing this post:

  • Hormone Health Studio. (2023). Managing Mastitis: Natural Tips for Relief and Recovery. https://hormonehealthstudio.com/managing-mastitis/
  • Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA). (2023). Mastitis – Information for Breastfeeding Mothers. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/mastitis
  • NatureMed Clinic. (2023). Natural Remedies for Mastitis. https://naturemed.org/natural-remedies-for-mastitis/
  • Wambach, K., & Spencer, B. (2021). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (6th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Mastitis: Causes and Management.
  • Lawrence, R. A., & Lawrence, R. M. (2015). Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession (8th ed.). Elsevier.
  • https://hcp.kendamil.com/blogs/news/new-mastitis-treatment-guidelines-to-support-breastfeeding-mothers
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