Mastitis Neonatorum: An Interesting and Uncommon Condition Seen in Infants

Abstract

A 21 day old male infant was admitted to NICU with swelling of right breast and fever from last 3 days. Baby had documented fever of 101ºF at the time of admission. Baby was exclusively breast feed with no history of decrease acceptance of feed.

A study on traditional practice of squeezing of breasts in newborn care among mothers in a tertiary care centre in Malda, West Bengal, India

“…Mastitis neonatorum is a very uncommon condition resulting when the breast is squeezed to remove the milk (witch's milk) which usually comes out of the breast because of the maternal oestrogen effect. 5 Mothers usually gather information regarding newborn care practices from the elders of the family, relatives and traditional birth attendants and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist). They firmly believe in elder's advice and follow it.…”