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If You Have a Plugged Duct:

• Apply moist heat to the breast 15-20 minutes before each feeding.

• Massage the breast from the area behind the discomfort toward the

nipple.

• Change positions lining-up the baby’s chin and jaw toward the plug.

• Let the baby nurse first on the affected breast. The stronger suck will

help relieve the plug.

Breast Infection

A breast infection occurs from a blocked duct or from bacteria that has
entered the breast, often through a cracked nipple. Even though the breast
tissue is inflamed, the baby will not become ill from feeding on the infected
breast.

Signs of breast infection may include:
• A headache, aching joints, fever or chills

• A hard, red and painful breast

• A fussy or unwilling to nurse baby when using the infected breast

Call your doctor right away if you think you may have a breast infection.
• Your doctor may order medicine to treat the infection. Take the medicine

for the full time ordered. Do not stop taking your medicine, even if you
feel better, without first talking to your doctor.

• Continue to breastfeed your baby often to drain the infected breast. If

your breast is too painful to breastfeed, you may need to use a breast
pump until you are able to breastfeed your baby again.

• Rest often and drink a lot of fluids.

Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.

8/2007. Developed through a partnership of Mount Carmel Health, Ohio State University Medical Center,
and OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio. Available for use as a public service without copyright restrictions at
www.healthinfotranslations.org.