Learn about the symptoms of mastitis. Symptoms include pain, soreness, and swollen or lumpy breasts. It can occur at any time during breastfeeding, most often in the first month after giving birth. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, seek medical attention. Any discomfort or redness in the breast may be a problem. A tingling sensation in the nipple at the beginning of breastfeeding that becomes more painful as your baby sucks on the breast. This may be the first signs of mastitis. Many people with mastitis will initially think they have the flu. Check your breasts for lumps, swelling or fever. If you notice these conditions, be sure to take special measures to take proper care of your breasts. Although mastitis can occur at any time during breastfeeding, it is most common in the first four weeks, especially when a mother returns to work, switches to pumping, or is trying to wean her baby. Continue to monitor your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse after a few days, contact your doctor immediately. Keep an eye on you to see if you feel a little uncomfortable. Mastitis symptoms are very similar to the flu. The fact that you feel extra tired and achy, feel cold, have a headache or a fever means your body is probably infected. And they often occur before symptoms appear in the breast. Stress, fatigue and being a first-time mom can increase your chances of getting mastitis. Remember, mastitis is a disease. You need to get plenty of rest and keep your body hydrated to restore your immune system. Get checked out by a doctor to see if you need antibiotics. Mastitis can quickly turn into an abscess and may require surgery that can damage your appearance to fix the problem. So it’s important to see your doctor as soon as symptoms appear. Some antibiotics can be taken safely while you are breastfeeding. Even if you feel better, continue to take all your medications. If you stop taking antibiotics before the infection is completely cured, the mastitis may come back. Contact your doctor if your condition does not improve within two or three days after starting a course of antibiotics.