Breastfeeding: Benefits, risks and treatments
Breastfeeding offers significant health benefits. It protects babies from infections, allergies, asthma, diabetes, and digestive issues. For mothers, it reduces the risk of breast cancer by about 4% per year of breastfeeding. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continuing up to two years or more.
Mastitis affects about 1 in 5 breastfeeding mothers within the first six months. It involves breast inflammation, often from milk build-up and blocked ducts—not always infection. Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, and sometimes fever or chills. If bacteria are involved, it can develop into bacterial mastitis and lead to a breast abscess if untreated.


If infection is suspected, antibiotics are usually effective within 2-3 days. Persistent lumps may require an ultrasound to check for abscess or, rarely, breast cancer. A breast abscess, if it forms, is treated by drainage or surgery.
Cracks are common but don’t usually lead to infection. Keep nipples clean, moisturized, and air-dried. Avoid harsh soaps or chemicals.
- Mastitis is not contagious or caused by poor hygiene.
- Breastfeeding is safe and encouraged during mastitis.
- Any persistent lumps should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
