What are the causes of Lactation Mastitis?
The two main causes for lactation mastitis is
- Milk stasis
- Microbial Infection
Milk Stasis (Stagnation of Milk):
- Milk stasis is the primary cause for development of lactation mastitis, which may or may not be accompanied with infection.
- Milk stasis results from stagnation of milk within the breast due to inefficient removal of milk.
- Infection may also occur in Milk stasis as the stagnant milk may provide a good nutrient supply for the growth of bacteria.
- Lactation mastitis may occur when the breasts are filled with milk soon after delivery and milk is not removed by the infant from the breast, which may be due to:
- Poor attachment of the infant to the breast
- Ineffective suckling
- Restriction of frequency or duration of feeds
- Blockage in milk ducts
- Increased milk supply
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Microbial Infection:
Common microorganisms found in mastitis
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Staphylococcus albus
- Streptococcus species
- Escherichia coli
