A breast infection, also called mastitis, can develop from a plugged duct gone unnoticed or untreated, or can be the result of a crack in the nipple skin, providing a pathway into the breast for bacteria.
The affected area of the breast becomes red, hot and painful, you have fever of 38 C or higher and flu-like symptoms ( tired, achy, run-down).

Breast infections most commonly occur:

* In the newborn period when mother is tired and breast is not emptied properly.
* After abrupt weaning or when there is a change in nursing pattern. For example if
  your baby suddenly sleeps through the night or missed feedings because of
  mother-baby separation etc.
* When mother is over tired, stressed, and overworked.

Treatment for mastitis is the same as treatment for plugged ducts.
If you develop symptoms of a breast infection you should contact your doctor as soon as possible; you may need to take antibiotics. Ask for the type that is compatible with breastfeeding. Be sure to take it for the whole course of treatment. Start immediately with the measures below and continue these as long as the symptoms persist. Taking action now will prevent you from further complications.

ACTION
* Apply heat (warm compresses, or heating pad) before and
  between feedings.
* Rest: go to bed and stay there for several days; get help with all tasks.
* Empty breast; nurse frequently on the affected side.
* Maintain fluid intake, water and fruit juices are preferable.

When you follow these actions, in addition to possible antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, you will soon feel much better and able to enjoy your wonderful nursing relationship with your baby.

In a few cases, breast infections tend to recur. If you get a breast infection a few weeks after a previous one, it is possible that the original infection was not cured.
Always make sure you finish the whole course of treatment as prescribed by your doctor. Don't stop the treatment as soon as your symptoms have disappeared.
Certain mothers with recurrent mastitis may be prone to infections; these mothers may want to evaluate their overall health and other factors that may have contributed to mastitis, like poor diet, inadequate rest or fatigue.

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