How can I avoid mastitis?

Health visitor Dawn says: Mastitis is a breast infection, which can occir when breastfeeding is infrequent, delayed or missed, or when a baby is not positioned properly on the breast.

This is because milk collects in the breast and puts pressure on the surrounding tissue causing swelling which, in turn, damages the tissue and increases the risk of infection.

When bacteria enters the breast through an opening in the nipple or a break in the skin, it becomes infected.

To avoid mastitis when you're ready to stop breastfeeding, very slowly reduce your breastfeeding by cutting out one breastfeed every week or so. TRy not to express milk either, as this sends a signal to your body to continue producing milk.

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