Mastitis is an infection and inflammation of the breast tissue that occurs most frequently while a woman is lactating and breastfeeding. It can occur when bacteria, often from the baby's mouth, enter a milk duct through a crack in the nipple. See also Mastitis While Breastfeeding.
About 1%-3% of breastfeeding mothers develop mastitis. Engorgement and incomplete breast emptying can contribute to the problem and make the symptoms worse.
Breast infections most commonly occur one to three months after the delivery of a baby, but they can occur in women who have not recently delivered as well as in women after menopause. Other causes of infection include chronic mastitis and a rare form of cancer called inflammatory carcinoma.
In healthy women, mastitis is rare. However, women with diabetes, chronic illness, AIDS, or an impaired immune system may be more susceptible.
In Australia - The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (SDA) makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person because of their sex, gender identity, intersex status, sexual orientation, marital or relationship status, family responsibilities, because they are pregnant or might become pregnant or because they are breastfeeding.
A woman has the right to breastfeed in public places, where ever she is allowed to be with without harassment or discrimination. This includes using a breast pump or expressing milk by hand.
Mastitis is an infection and inflammation of the breast tissue that occurs most frequently while a woman is lactating and breastfeeding. It can occur when bacteria, often from the baby's mouth, enter a milk duct through a crack in the nipple. See also Mastitis While Breastfeeding.
About 1%-3% of breastfeeding mothers develop mastitis. Engorgement and incomplete breast emptying can contribute to the problem and make the symptoms worse.
Breast infections most commonly occur one to three months after the delivery of a baby, but they can occur in women who have not recently delivered as well as in women after menopause. Other causes of infection include chronic mastitis and a rare form of cancer called inflammatory carcinoma.
In healthy women, mastitis is rare. However, women with diabetes, chronic illness, AIDS, or an impaired immune system may be more susceptible.