Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess
Prevention
The following may help reduce the risk of breast infections:
- Careful nipple care to prevent irritation and cracking
- Feeding often and pumping milk to prevent engorgement of the breast
- Proper breastfeeding technique with good latching by the baby
- Weaning slowly, over several weeks, rather than abruptly stopping breastfeeding
References
Newton ER. Breast-feeding. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JF, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.
Grobmyer SR, Massoll N, Copeland EM III. Clinical management of mastitis and breast abscess and idiopathic granulomatous mastitis. In: Bland KI, Copeland EM III, eds. The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Disorders. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 6.
Previous Section
Review Date: 11/01/2009
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound,
Redmond, WA, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also
reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
