Breast infections, also known as mastitis, are a possible concern for mothers of newborns. These infections are most common approximately 2 weeks postdelivery and are caused by bacteria that normally live on the surface of the breast. Fatigue, stress, and tight clothing that leads to obstruction of the milk ducts can predispose you to infection. So can cracked or sore nipples if they cause you to avoid complete emptying of the painful breast.

Symptoms of mastitis include chills, flu-like aches, and hot, tender breasts. If you experience these symptoms, contact your physician immediately, because prompt treatment is very effective and can help prevent recurrences. Your physician will probably prescribe treatment that you can perform at home. These are some simple guidelines to follow:

• Get a lot of rest and eat properly.
  
  
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
  
  
• Apply moist hot packs to your breasts to relieve pain and promote drainage.
  
  
• Breast infection does not cause your milk to be infected, so you may continue to breastfeed.
  
  
• Nurse from the uninfected breast first, while the infected breast "lets down."
  
  
• Be sure to empty the infected breast. If nursing is too uncomfortable, pumping your breast milk is an alternative.
  
  
• Let your physician know if you intend to continue breastfeeding, because this may affect his or her selection of an antibiotic should you need one.
  
  
• Do not take any medication without checking with your physician first.