What is the recommended approach for a mother diagnosed with mastitis regarding breastfeeding?

Continuing to nurse the baby as the mother tolerates is the recommended approach for a mother diagnosed with mastitis. Mastitis is an infection in the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness. Despite this condition, breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of milk stasis and promote drainage of the affected milk ducts. When the mother breastfeeds, it ensures that milk continues to flow, which helps to alleviate symptoms and has the added benefit of providing the baby with essential nutrition and antibodies present in the mother’s milk.

Breastfeeding can actually aid in the healing process, as it helps keep the milk flowing and can prevent further complications. If the mother experiences significant pain while nursing, she can still nurse from the unaffected side or use other positions to find comfort, but it is generally beneficial to continue breastfeeding on the affected side whenever possible.

This option supports both the health of the mother and the baby, ensuring that the baby receives the benefits of breast milk while also allowing the mother to experience relief from some symptoms of mastitis through continued milk expression.