Causes Of Mastitis

Bacteria

Bacteria live on every surface imaginable, including your skin and the inside of your baby's mouth. In most cases, this isn't a problem. However, whenever there is an overgrowth of certain microbes, an infection can occur. Typically, this happens when the microorganisms from the baby's mouth are able to make their way into the nipple because of small cracks or fissures in the skin. Cracked and sore nipples are often more prone to this type of infection, and women who are nursing babies with mouth abnormalities of some sort are often at higher risk as well. This includes babies with cleft lip, cleft palate or a short frenulum who are unable to latch onto the breast normally.

Bacterial infections should be treated as soon as possible to avoid the spread of infection or the development of an abscess.