ABSTRACT
Breastfeeding mothers and their babies may be affected by a variety of conditions that may or may not be related to their feeding method. Conditions specifically related to breastfeeding include engorgement, sore nipples, thrush, mastitis and Raynaud's phenomenon. The true incidence of mastitis is unknown with figures quoted up to 33%. However, it is generally taken to be less than 10% with the vast majority occurring in the second and third week post-partum. Non-infective mastitis may result from milk stasis from poor milk removal, from sudden changes in the baby's feeding pattern, trauma from pressure of clothing, from fingers holding the breast or knocks. Engorgement can also occur at later stages if the mother stops breastfeeding abruptly leading to a build-up of milk. If the mother continues to describe pain deep within the breast, which has not been cured by topical treatment and care with attachment, it may be necessary to treat her with oral fluconazole.
