Puerperal Mastitis

Puerperal mastitis, also known as lactation mastitis or lactational mastitis, is inflammation of the breast associated with breastfeeding, typically arising within the first few months after delivery. Symptoms include local pain and redness, often with fever and general soreness, with onset usually fairly rapid; estimates of how many breastfeeding mothers develop it range from about 5 to 33 percent depending on methodology, though only about 0.4 to 0.5 percent go on to develop a breast abscess. Prevention rests on frequent breastfeeding with good technique, and treatment includes antibiotics such as cephalexin and anti-inflammatory medication.