Final answer:
Breastfeeding should not be discontinued during mastitis as it can worsen engorgement. Proper treatment for mastitis often includes antibiotics and continued breastfeeding or pumping to maintain milk flow. Sudden cessation can lead to engorgement and should be avoided by gradually decreasing breastfeeding sessions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Generally, breastfeeding should not be discontinued when a patient has mastitis, as continued emptying of the breast is recommended to avoid further engorgement and to help clear the infection. Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue that can involve infection, and stopping breastfeeding can exacerbate the problem by causing milk stasis. Instead, patients should consult with their healthcare provider for appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics if an infection is present and techniques to improve milk flow.
In the case of sudden discontinuation of breastfeeding, a woman may experience breast engorgement and leakage due to the abrupt change in the supply-demand cycle. The breasts may still be producing milk in anticipation of a baby's needs, and when those needs suddenly cease, milk can build up, leading to engorgement. To manage this and prevent complications, breastfeeding should ideally be stopped gradually, allowing the supply to decrease slowly, reducing discomfort and the risk of complications like mastitis.
It's also important to understand that the composition of breast milk changes during lactation and even over the course of a single feeding. The initial milk, known as colostrum, is followed by transitional and then mature milk. Milk production is a complex process that responds to the infant's demand, and sudden breastfeeding cessation interrupts this finely tuned system, potentially causing issues such as engorgement and leakage.