Mastitis (breast infection)

Acute mastitis is an infection and swelling of the breast, usually occurring as a result of bacteria entering the nursing mother's breast through cracks or fissures in the nipple. Mothers are most vulnerable to acute mastitis in the first few weeks of nursing because cracks in the nipple develop more often during this time. Soreness and redness in the breast, fever, yellow, pus-like secretions from the nipple, general tiredness, and flulike symptoms are indicators of this problem.