If you do have mastitis, it is
VERY IMPORTANT to continue feeding your baby and/or expressing milk frequently (if your baby is not being compliant). It is only through effective draining of the breast that you will recover quickly, relieve the pressure (and therefore the pain) and prevent you from developing a breast abscess. You should
NEVER stop feeding your baby if you develop mastitis. If you were weaning your baby you should delay this until you are well again. Be aware that breastfeeding your baby with infective mastitis will not harm your baby (although the milk can start to taste a little more 'salty').
If you are not feeling too ill, then your mastitis will usually be treated by ensuring that you completely drain your breast, usually using the same treatments as for a
blocked duct. You should probably feed from the affected breast first, for the next two feeds, and then feed from the second breast if your baby is still hungry, or express from the second breast for comfort. You should start see improvements within 12 to 24 hours.
If you are feeling very unwell, or there is no improvement, you may need to take antibiotics. Consult with your caregiver. Usually a combination of taking the antibiotics, with effective drainage of the breast, should see an improvement within 36 to 48 hours.
When experiencing mastitis, it is a good idea to put yourself to bed (if this is possible) and arrange for others to look after the house or siblings and prepare your meals.
Take your baby with you to bed and feed, feed, feed.
You will need to eat regular, nutritious foods and drink plenty of water. This needs to continue to a degree after you start to feel better. Many women will comment on how their mastitis coincided with them doing 'too much', or they were feeling 'run down'. So you will now have to start taking it a bit easier. You may need to take a mild analgesic (such as paracetamol). This will help with any fever as well.