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Lactational mastitis — DRCOG MCQ

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ModeratePostnatalLactational mastitisDRCOG

A breastfeeding woman attends 3 weeks after birth with a painful red wedge-shaped area in the left breast and temperature 38.1°C. She feels flu-like and the baby is feeding less effectively from that side. What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Continue milk removal and prescribe an appropriate antibiotic

Lactational mastitis with systemic symptoms should be managed with effective milk removal, breastfeeding support and antibiotics when clinically indicated. Stopping feeding can worsen milk stasis and symptoms. The clinical pearl is that continuing breastfeeding is usually part of treatment, not a cause of treatment failure.

Reference: NICE NG194; BNF