What is Mastitis?
Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that most commonly affects breastfeeding women, though it can occasionally occur in those who aren't breastfeeding. It develops when milk ducts become blocked, preventing normal milk flow and causing fluid to build up in the breast tissue. This leads to pain, swelling, and inflammation.
When bacteria also enter the picture — often through a crack or sore on the nipple — it becomes infectious mastitis, which may require antibiotic treatment.
How common is it?
1 in 5 breastfeeding women
Most common timing
First weeks, after birth, but can occur anytime
Safe to breastfeed?
Yes milk is safe for your baby
Why Integrated Care Works
Mastitis isn't just an infection — it's a complex issue involving inflammation, milk stasis, tissue trauma, and often, underlying latch or milk flow problems. Treating infection with antibiotics alone leaves these root causes unaddressed, which is why recurrence is so common.
At Midwife Suzi, I've developed an integrated approach that addresses every layer of mastitis. I combine clinical expertise with practical, hands-on support to get you truly well.
You deserve care that goes beyond infection management. You need inflammation reduction, tissue healing, practical breastfeeding support, and someone who understands your whole story. That's what we provide
Why These Four Elements Matter | A Comprehensive Solution
Antibiotics Aren't Always Enough
Inflammation is Your Real Problem
While antibiotics clear the infection, they don't reduce inflammation, clear milk stasis, or fix the latch problems that caused mastitis. Without addressing these, recurrence is likely.
Inflammation is Your Real Problem
Inflammation is Your Real Problem
Therapeutic ultrasound and laser therapy reduce inflammation naturally, helping tissue regenerate faster and more completely — essential for pain relief and healing.
Know to Prevent
Your Microbiome Matters
Expert latch assessment and coaching address the root cause. This prevents future mastitis episodes and builds sustainable breastfeeding practices.
Your Microbiome Matters
Your Microbiome Matters
Clinical probiotics restore healthy breast flora while protecting your baby's developing microbiome — something antibiotics alone cannot do.
Faster Recovery Overall
Combined, these therapies often reduce recovery time by 30–50% compared to antibiotics alone — meaning less pain, faster return to normal feeding.
Continuity Makes the Difference
You're supported by one qualified midwife and IBCLC throughout. I know your full story and can provide truly personalised care — not a template.
Treatment Flexibility: In-Clinic and At Home
Because new mothers have busy, demanding schedules, I offer flexible options for therapeutic ultrasound treatment.
In-Clinic Sessions
Professional-grade ultrasound therapy in a comfortable clinical setting with personalised coaching.
Take-Home Device
Compact home ultrasound device available for rental, allowing you to treat mastitis in the comfort of your home, on your schedule.
Evidence & References
This integrated approach to mastitis care is grounded in current clinical evidence. The following references support the diagnostic framework, probiotic therapy, photobiomodulation, and lactation assessment underpinning this care.
Mastitis Diagnosis & Management — Current Clinical Guidelines
- Mitchell KB, Johnson HM, Rodríguez JM, et al. (2022). "Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #36: The Mastitis Spectrum, Revised 2022." Breastfeeding Medicine, 17(5), 360–376.
- Berens P, Brodribb W; Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (2016). "ABM Clinical Protocol #20: Engorgement, Revised 2016." Breastfeeding Medicine, 11(4), 159–163.
- Amir LH, Trupin S, Kvist LJ. (2014). "Diagnosis and treatment of mastitis in breastfeeding women." Journal of Human Lactation, 30(1), 10–13.
- Wilson E, Woodd SL, Benova L. (2020). "Incidence of and risk factors for lactational mastitis: A systematic review." Journal of Human Lactation, 36(4), 673–686.
Probiotics in Lactational Mastitis
- Jiménez E, Fernández L, Maldonado A, et al. (2008). "Oral administration of Lactobacillus strains isolated from breast milk as an alternative for the treatment of infectious mastitis during lactation." Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 74(15), 4650–4655.
- Arroyo R, Martín V, Maldonado A, et al. (2010). "Treatment of infectious mastitis during lactation: antibiotics versus oral administration of lactobacilli isolated from breast milk." Clinical Infectious Diseases, 50(12), 1551–1558.
- Hurtado JA, Maldonado-Lobón JA, Díaz-Ropero MP, et al. (2017). "Oral administration to nursing women of Lactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 prevents lactational mastitis development: a randomized controlled trial." Breastfeeding Medicine, 12(4), 202–209.
- Fernández L, Cárdenas N, Arroyo R, et al. (2016). "Prevention of infectious mastitis by oral administration of Lactobacillus salivarius PS2 during late pregnancy." Clinical Infectious Diseases, 62(5), 568–573.
Photobiomodulation / Low Level Laser Therapy in Lactation
- Coca KP, Marcacine KO, Gamba MA, et al. (2019). "Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in relieving nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial." Pain Management Nursing, 20(5), 463–469.
- Camargo BTS, Coca KP, Amir LH, et al. (2020). "The effect of a single irradiation of low-level laser on nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial." Lasers in Medical Science, 35(1), 63–69.
- Chaves MEA, Araújo AR, Piancastelli ACC, Pinotti M. (2014). "Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER × LED." Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 89(4), 616–623.
Therapeutic Ultrasound for Lactation-Related Condition
Note: high-quality RCT evidence specific to lactational mastitis is limited; the strongest support comes from physiotherapy practice and small clinical series.
- McLachlan Z, Milne EJ, Lumley J, Walker BL. (1991). "Ultrasound treatment for breast engorgement: a randomised double blind trial." Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 37(1), 23–28.
- Cooper BB, Kowalsky DS. (2015). "Physical therapy intervention for treatment of blocked milk ducts in lactating women." Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, 39(3), 115–126.
- Lavigne V, Gleberzon BJ. (2012). "Ultrasound as a treatment of mammary blocked duct among 25 postpartum lactating women: a retrospective case series." Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 11(3), 170–178.
Lactation Support & Latch Assessment
- Wambach K, Spencer B (eds). (2021). Breastfeeding and Human Lactation. 6th Ed. Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). (2014). Clinical Guidelines for the Establishment of Exclusive Breastfeeding. 3rd Ed.
- Douglas P. (2022). "Re-thinking lactation-related nipple pain and damage." Women's Health (London), 18, 17455057221087865.
- Geddes DT, Sakalidis VS. (2016). "Ultrasound imaging of breastfeeding — a window to the inside: methodology, normal appearances, and application." Journal of Human Lactation, 32(2), 340–349.
Note: This page is intended for educational purposes. Treatment recommendations should always be discussed with your healthcare provider. At Midwife Suzi, all care is personalised and evidence-based, delivered within a framework of clinical expertise and genuine support.
Ready for Complete Mastitis Care?
You don't have to choose between your health and breastfeeding. Get comprehensive care that addresses inflammation, drainage, latch, and prevention. Your full breastfeeding journey deserves expert support.