The term mastitis (unfortunately) is used interchangeably for both the
inflammation and the infection. Recurrent mastitis can occur when we are
dealing with the inflammation not the infection, when the bacteria is
resistant or not sensitive to the prescribed antibiotic, when antibiotics are
not continued long enough, when the mothers stops nursing on the affected
side, and or when the underlying cause of the mastitis has not been
addressed. Sometimes if it is really the infection that is recurring, the
milk needs to be cultured as well as cultures taken of the infant's naso- and
oropharynx, as it is possible that the baby is reinfecting the mother and
acting as an asymptomatic carrier.

Culture and sensitivity tests often help reveal the right drug for the right
bug.

Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC
Weston, MA

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