Final answer:
It is false that a mother with mastitis should stop breastfeeding. Continuation of breastfeeding can actually help clear the infection and prevent breast engorgement. Sudden cessation of breastfeeding can lead to continued lactation and symptoms such as engorgement and leakage due to the body's ongoing hormonal signals for milk production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a mother with mastitis should stop breastfeeding is false. Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, and can also involve fever and chills. It is actually recommended for mothers to continue breastfeeding or expressing milk to help clear the infection and prevent breast engorgement. The continuation of breastfeeding also ensures that the baby still receives vital nutrients and immunoglobulins from the breast milk, which can protect the child from infections.
When a woman who has been breastfeeding stops suddenly, she is likely to experience breast engorgement and leakage. This happens because her body continues to produce milk in anticipation of the next feeding session. If this milk is not expressed, it can lead to engorgement which is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. It is recommended to stop breastfeeding gradually to prevent such complications, allowing the body time to reduce milk production naturally.
Milk production and ejection are controlled by the hormones prolactin and oxytocin. Prolactin stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk, while oxytocin promotes milk release. After the initial weeks of establishing breastfeeding, if abruptly stopped, the body’s hormonal signals can continue to stimulate milk production, leading to continued lactation and associated symptoms like engorgement.