Lumps in the breast are a common symptom of a few different types of breastfeeding complications. However, even if you don't develop any lumps, you might still have a breast infection, so be sure to consult your doctor if you experience unusual pain, swelling, redness or other unusual symptoms while breastfeeding.
Causes
Breast infections are also known as mastitis. Mastitis often starts as a result of an untreated clogged milk duct, which is what often causes lumps to develop in the breast. When your milk ducts become clogged, the milk becomes backed up in one or several areas of the breast, which might cause a small lump that resembles a blister. According to KellyMom, an online resource provided by certified lactation consultants, some women may not experience these lumps and may instead experience localized pain or sensitivity.
Other Symptoms
In addition to lumps, there are many other symptoms associated with breast infections. Mastitis causes fever, fatigue, nipple discharge that may contain pus, swelling and tenderness in the breast, red streaks that run across the breast, itching and general pain in the breast. If you do not develop a fever but experience localized pain in your breast, you probably just have a clogged milk duct, which is not a bacterial infection, although clogs can cause a low-grade fever of 101.3 or less.
Treatment
If you think you have a breast infection, see your doctor as soon as possible. Prolonged infection can lead to breast abscess, a more serious problem that often requires surgery to drain the infection. If you are diagnosed with mastitis, your doctor will probably put you on an antibiotic medication to clear up the infection. In addition to taking medicine, get plenty of rest and breastfeed your baby as often as possible to keep milk from building up in the breast.
Prevention
To prevent mastitis, keep your breastfeeding patterns as regular as possible. If you are weaning your baby, do so gradually and avoid abrupt decreases in your nursing frequency. Avoid wearing tight-fitting bras that compress your breasts, and change your nursing position occasionally to make sure your breasts are able to be completely emptied. If you cannot nurse your baby due to separation or other factors, use a breast pump to empty your breasts between feeding.
