How to Prevent Mastitis While Breastfeeding (and What to Do If It Starts)

Written by Le Lolo | Medically reviewed by Holly Hill, IBCLC| Updated September 2026

If you want to prevent mastitis while breastfeeding, the most useful thing to know is that the advice changed. In 2022 the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine updated its guidance. Some of what we were all told, like heat, hard massage and pumping to "empty" the breast, can actually make things worse. Here is what helps now, in plain words.

What mastitis is, and why the advice changed

Mastitis is inflammation in the breast. It sits on a spectrum. It can start as a tender clogged area or swelling. If the inflammation keeps building, it can sometimes turn into a bacterial infection.

For years the thinking was that a clog was a plug that needed to be pushed out. Now we know most of it starts with swelling and inflammation in the breast tissue. So the goal is to calm things down, not to force milk out.

How to prevent mastitis while breastfeeding: 7 things that help

1. Feed on cue, not on a strict clock. Responsive feeding keeps milk moving without building extra supply.
2. Don't try to "empty" your breasts. Extra pumping tells your body to make more milk, and oversupply is one of the biggest mastitis risks. If you pump, pump for what your baby actually eats.
3. Get the latch checked early. A shallow latch can damage your nipples and leave milk behind. A lactation consultant (IBCLC) can often fix it in one visit.
4. Protect your nipples. Cracks give bacteria a way in. Keep nipples moisturized with a gentle balm. Between feeds, soothe soreness with cooling pads.
5. Wear a bra that supports without squeezing. Skip underwire and anything that presses into your breast. Watch for tight straps from baby carriers and bags too.
6. Rest, eat and drink water. Easier said than done with a newborn, but exhaustion and stress are real risk factors. Say yes to every offer of help.
7. Ask about sunflower lecithin if clogs keep coming back. Some moms find it helps with recurring clogs, though the research is still limited. Check with your provider first.

Signs of mastitis to watch for

• A tender, swollen or warm area on one breast
• Redness, which can be harder to see on darker skin and may look darker or purple instead
• A firm, sore area or wedge
• Fever, chills or body aches, like you are coming down with the flu

What to do if you feel it starting

• Cold, not heat. Wrap a cold pack in a thin cloth and hold it on the sore area as often as it feels good.
• A light touch only. Use very gentle strokes from the breast toward your armpit and collarbone to help move fluid. No deep or hard massage. A chilled roller used lightly makes this easy.
• Keep feeding the way you normally do. Keep nursing on the sore side on your usual schedule. Don't add extra feeds or pumping sessions to clear it.
• Ease the pain. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. Ask your provider what is right for you.
• Rest and support. Wear a soft, supportive bra and lie down whenever you can.

When to call your doctor or midwife

Call your provider if:

• You are not improving after 24 hours of home care
• You have a fever of 101°F (38.4°C) or higher
• Your symptoms are getting worse
• A hard, painful lump won't go away

Antibiotics aren't always needed at the start. Your provider will decide whether you need them, and most are safe to take while breastfeeding.

Is it safe to keep breastfeeding with mastitis?

Yes. Milk from the sore side is safe for your baby, and continuing to feed helps keep the inflammation from getting worse. If your baby fusses on that side, try a different position.

Mastitis is common, and it is not something you did wrong. Catch it early, keep it cool, and call for help when you need it.

Sources: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36, The Mastitis Spectrum (2022); La Leche League International, Mastitis (2023)