A client comes in to the clinic for her six week postpartum check up and complains that her left breast is eythematous and painful. The client asks, "Can I still breastfeed my baby?" What is the best response for the nurse to provide?

• A. Advise to stop breastfeeding until the infection clears.
• B. Inform the client to continue breastfeeding.
• C. Begin all feedings with the infected breast.
• D. Tell the client to pump then discard the milk from the affected breast.

Answer: (B)

Breast infections during lactation do not require stopping breastfeeding. Continuing to breastfeed helps drain the affected breast, which reduces milk stasis and speeds healing. The infant’s milk remains safe and is not a vehicle for spreading the infection to the baby. The nurse should reassure the patient to keep nursing on demand, ensuring the infected breast is emptied regularly. Supportive care like warm compresses, gentle massage, and safe analgesics can help with pain, and most antibiotics used for mastitis are compatible with breastfeeding if treatment becomes necessary. Seek care if fever develops, redness or swelling spreads, or symptoms persist beyond 24 to 48 hours.