Mastitis is a common condition of the breast, characterized by inflammation that may or may not involve an infection. It frequently affects breastfeeding individuals, causing flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and localized pain. The condition arises when milk stasis, often due to blocked ducts or infrequent milk removal, triggers a local inflammatory response. This inflammation and physical congestion often result in a temporary supply reduction, localized to the affected breast.
How Inflammation Disrupts Milk Production
When the breast tissue becomes inflamed, swelling occurs, which physically compresses the delicate milk ducts. This compression creates resistance, hindering the smooth flow of milk and making it more difficult to fully empty the affected area. The resulting milk stasis signals the body to slow production in that breast, following the supply-and-demand principle of lactation.
Beyond the physical blockage, the body’s systemic response to inflammation also impacts the neuro-hormonal mechanisms of lactation. Pain associated with mastitis can inhibit the release of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the milk ejection reflex, or “let-down.” A less efficient let-down reflex means that milk removal is compromised, further contributing to stasis and the temporary down-regulation of milk synthesis.
During mastitis, inflammatory factors cause damage to the ducts and secretory epithelial cells, increasing the permeability of the blood-milk barrier. The immune response temporarily slows the lactogenesis process in the affected breast, contributing to decreased milk synthesis. This drop in volume is localized to the inflamed breast, with the severity correlating directly to the degree of inflammation and blockage experienced.
Strategies for Sustaining Output During Infection
The most important action is the frequent and complete emptying of the affected breast, either through nursing or pumping. Continuing to remove milk helps clear the blockage, reduce engorgement, and maintain the stimulation necessary for future production. The milk remains safe for the baby to consume, so continuing to nurse or pump from the affected side is recommended.
Pain management is crucial, as reducing discomfort improves the let-down reflex. Cold compresses applied after feeding or expressing help reduce localized inflammation and swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can further alleviate the pain and swelling that inhibit milk flow.
If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours or if flu-like symptoms are severe, consult a healthcare provider promptly, as mastitis may involve a bacterial infection. Quick diagnosis and treatment, which may include antibiotics, minimize the duration of inflammation and reduce the risk of a lasting supply issue. Continuing frequent milk removal while undergoing treatment is necessary to sustain output and prevent the infection from worsening. To promote better milk removal, begin each feeding session on the affected breast, as the baby’s suckling is typically most vigorous at the start of a feed.
Rebuilding Supply After Resolution
Once the acute phase of mastitis has passed and inflammation has subsided, the focus shifts to recovering any lost milk volume. The principle of supply and demand must be leveraged by increasing the frequency and efficiency of milk removal to return to pre-mastitis levels.
A primary technique for stimulating increased production is implementing power pumping sessions. Power pumping mimics the cluster feeding patterns of an infant going through a growth spurt, sending a strong signal to the body to boost the hormone prolactin. This involves pumping in frequent, short bursts over a one-hour period, typically for several days, to maximize milk removal and increase subsequent output.
Increasing skin-to-skin contact with the baby helps boost the production of milk-making hormones. Paying close attention to hydration and nutrient intake is also important for the body’s overall recovery and ability to synthesize milk. If supply recovery is slow, consulting a healthcare professional about the potential use of galactagogues may be considered alongside frequent milk removal.