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Breast infection - Prevention

Alternative Names

Mastitis; Infection - breast tissue; Breast abscess

Prevention:

The following may help reduce the risk of breast infections:

Careful nipple care to prevent irritation and cracking
Feeding often and pumping milk to prevent engorgement of the breast
Proper breast-feeding technique with good latching by the baby
Weaning slowly, over several weeks, rather than abruptly stopping breastfeeding

Female Breast

Breast infection

Normal female breast anatomy

Reviewed last on: 5/12/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Training Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Newton ER. Breast-feeding. In: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JF, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingston Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.

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Breast infection - Prevention

Alternative Names

Prevention:

References