However, the infection is in the soft tissue, not the ducts themselves. Symptoms include a lump or mass that may be painful to the touch. Some of the fullness is often relieved by nursing. Infections are usually accompanied by fever and a general feeling of being ill. Generally clogged ducts improve in a day or two, but an infection may worsen and require antibiotics.
Most antibiotics are safe when nursing.
A mother should always remind her health care provider that she is nursing so that the right antibiotic will be selected. The most common antibiotics used for mastitis are a form of penicillin or erythromycin. Both are safe unless the mother or baby are allergic to them. We are getting close to the end of our time with nurse practitioner Pam Hellings. The most convenient way to feed the baby is directly at breast.