epidemiology
Last reviewed 01/2023
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)
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