Mastitis, at its most basic level, is an infection of the tissue of the breast. Mastitis is very often accompanied by pain, redness, and swelling of the breast. Mastitis occurs when bacteria are able to infect your breast. This infection almost always occurs through a crack or a break in the skin. It is very common for a woman who has cracked nipples while breastfeeding to develop mastitis. In some cases, the bacteria may even enter the woman’s breast through the opening to her milk ducts.

Specific things can increase the chances of mastitis. If you’ve had mastitis previously, you are likely to have it again. If you don’t switch positions when you breastfeed, your breast may not ever be fully drained, and this increases your risk of mastitis as well. Even wearing a bra that fits too tightly can restrict the flow of milk, and add to the risk of mastitis.

Most of the time mastitis will occur in a woman who is breastfeeding. It is relatively rare for a woman who is not breastfeeding to have mastitis. Mastitis will generally occur within the first six weeks or so after your baby is born. Mastitis can occasionally occur later on while you are still breastfeeding. The signs of mastitis can include malaise, swelling of the breast, redness of the skin, fever, and pain or burning when you are breastfeeding. The symptoms of mastitis typically will appear rather rapidly.

Sometimes, a woman may mistake engorgement for mastitis, or vice versa. If you are exhibiting the signs of mastitis, you should talk with your health care provider. Mastitis is not a condition that will right itself on its own, and you will generally need some degree or another of medical attention to clear up the infection that is causing mastitis.

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