Epidemiology

The incidence of mastitis may vary considerably

• it occurs in between 5- 33% of lactating women (1) but is usually under 10% (2).

A study done in Glasgow have found out that the incidence of mastitis is around 18% (3)

Mastitis frequently develops during the early stages of feeding (1)

• commonly seen during the second and third week of postpartum with 74-95% seen during the first three months (2)
• may rarely develop during the weaning period (1)

Breast abscess is found in 0.4-0.5% of lactating mothers (1) and commonly occurs during the first 6 weeks of postpartum but may occur later (2)

Reference:

• 1. Michie C, Lockie F, Lynn W. The challenge of mastitis. Arch Dis Child 2003;88:818-821
• 2. World Health Organization (WHO) 2000. Mastitis: Causes and Management
• 3. Guidelines and Audit Implementation Network (GAIN) 2009. Guidelines on the treatment, management & prevention of mastitis