SORE BREAST

Breastfeeding

SORE BREASTS

Pain in the breasts may be caused by engorgement, a plugged duct, mastitis or something else. It is often difficult for a mother (and doctor) to tell whether the inflammation is due to engorgement or a plugged duct, neither of which needs antibiotics, or mastitis, which usually, but not always, requires antibiotics. Use the guidelines in the chart to help you figure out what the problem is and how to treat it. Use the links to find additional information on how to relieve sore breasts.

SORE BREASTS: STAGES OF SEVERITY

FEATURES	NORMAL BREAST FULLNESS	ENGORGEMENT	PLUGGED DUCT	MASTITIS
Usual onset	2-4 days after birth	Within the first two weeks	Most noticeable after feedings	Most common around third week postpartum; may occur at any time during lactating.
Where/Location	Both breasts	Both breasts	Localized area in one breast	One breast
Breasts feel:	Generally swollen, uncomfortable, not hard, but tight	Hard, swollen, sore, warm	Mildly tender lump beneath areola, reddened skin above	Very painful: hot, tender, swollen, red streaking
Maternal fever	None	101 or below	None	Higher than 101
Mother generally feels:	Well	Well	Well; may see a white milk plug in a nipple opening.	Achy, tired, chills, "like I've got the flu."
Treatment	Frequent, unrestricted feeding, empty breasts	Frequent, unrestricted feeding, empty breasts alternating warm and cold compresses; rest	Frequent, unrestricted feeding; moist, hot packs, massage plugged duct to loosen plug and encourage milk flow	Frequent, unrestricted feeding, empty breasts; rest, relaxation; physician may prescribe antibiotics

AskDrSears.com is intended to help parents become better informed consumers of health care. The information presented in this site gives general advice on parenting and health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs.